Nutritional evaluation of HIV positive and exposed children from the Takalik Abaj region of Guatemala (828.7)

Abstract

As part of a feeding study undertaken in Retalhuleu, 6 HIV positive and 41 HIV exposed children 6‐72 mo of age attending a Nutritional Attention Unit in Coatepeque were nutritionally evaluated. Anthropometric and biomarker data were collected to calculate the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition, muscle mass depletion, chronic inflammation, anemia, and deficiency of iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12 and iodine. Feeding patterns for children under 36 mo was also established. The results revealed that 23.5% of the children presented with acute malnutrition (WAZ < ‐1) and 78.2% had chronic malnutrition (HAZ < ‐1). Muscle mass depletion, using WHO standards for MUAC, was found in 33.2% and anemia in 20.3% of the children. Nutritional deficiencies were noted for serum folic (45%), erythrocyte folic acid (5.4%), vitamin B12 (8.7%), zinc (50%), iodine (41.3%) and iron (34.1%). The prevalence of chronic inflammation (AGP > 1g/L) was 11.3%. The feeding pattern of these children consisted of: corn tortilla, noodles, rice, oranges, bananas, sausage, chicken, eggs, black beans, sugar, water, coffee and natural beverages. In conclusion, HIV positive and exposed children in this region of southwestern Guatemala are at high risk of developing malnutrition. Nutritional compromise may burden an already challenged immunes system, decrease quality of life and decrease the likelihood of a favorable prognosis.Grant Funding Source: The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition®