Hydroxyproline index as a tool for nutrition status surveys in malarial regions.

Abstract

1. The efficiency of the urinary hydroxyproline index as an indicator of nutrition status in mass surveys was investigated. The index was determined in 364 children aged under 5 years who participated in the National Nutrition Status Survey of the Republic of Zambia. The results of these biochemical investigations are given for all children and also according to the presence of various tropical parasitic diseases. 2. In rural areas of Zambia the hydroxyproline index was not related to the age of the child during the first 5 years of life. A lower nutritional status as defined by weight-for-age was associated with a lower hydroxyproline index. 3. The main factor affecting the index was the presence of malaria parasites in the blood. Malaria was associated with a lower index in all circumstances investigated, including children with definite growth failure. The mean of the index for healthy children was 2-49. 4. It is concluded that the index is of value in surveys but only in addition to other assessments of nutritional status. In regions where malaria is endemic the index may be of little value in determining nutritional status unless the presence of malaria parasites in the blood is investigated in all subjects and interpretation of the hydroxyproline index where malaria is confirmed is very complex.