Évolution du statut nutritionnel d’une cohorte d’enfants tunisiens au cours de l’hospitalisation : facteurs de risque de la dénutrition hospitalière

Abstract

ObjectivesStudy the evolution of the nutritional status of a cohort of hospitalized children and identify the risk factors of hospital malnutrition. MethodsProspective, cross-sectional study carried out in a pediatric department over a period of six months, including all children aged≥30days, hospitalized for a period≥six days. Anthropometric data were assessed on admission and discharge. Food consumption was assessed using the flower tool. We identified the risk factors for hospital undernutrition (HUN) by multivariate analysis. ResultsWe included 120 patients with a mean age 46.3months. The prevalence of acute undernutrition at admission was 21.7% and that of chronic undernutrition was 10%. The prevalence of acute undernutrition at discharge rose to 34%. Weight loss during hospitalization was noted in 68.3% of cases. The prevalence of HUN was 55% considering a decrease in BMI or P/PAT z-score≥25%. The risk factors for HUN were: age≤24months (P=0.039; OR 95% CI=2.67 [1.05–6.82]), the presence of undernutrition on admission (P=0.002; OR 95% CI=2.32 [0.93–6.51]) and average food consumption<50% during hospitalization (P<10−3; OR 95% CI=6.69 [2.57–17.40]). ConclusionScreening for undernutrition on admission to hospital as well as assessment of the nutritional risk in hospitalized children is essential so that preventive or curative nutritional care can be taken.