title: Management of protein-energy malnutrition in Nigeria: an evaluation of the regimen at the Kersey Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, Nigeria.
abstract: An evaluation of the performance of the Kersey Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre in Nigeria was undertaken with particular focus on mortality, rate of weight gain, and the management strategy. During 1987-1991 the total number of admissions for protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) was 803. The age group most commonly represented were those aged 12-29 months. Kwashiorkor cases formed the largest proportion of admissions (66%). Marasmic cases consistently predominated among children aged < 18 months. Average mortality was 22% during the 5 years. Mortality among oedematous patients was 25% compared with 15% among marasmic cases. The rate of weight gain averaged 7 g/kg/d for marasmic and marasmic-kwashiorkor cases and 6 g/kg/d for kwashiorkor cases. Specific recommendations are made to improve case-management, focusing particularly on the prevention of deaths in the first few days after admission.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Human Nutrition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Ibekwe
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ashworth
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014801:Vitamin A