Malnutrition: trials and triumphs.
Severe malnutrition is uncommon but often fatal, particularly in very young infants or when oedema is present. Another major contributor to mortality is undiagnosed infection. Three pilot studies have recently been performed in severely malnourished patients in therapeutic feeding centres in sub-Saharan Africa. In each, a practical management problem was addressed and a potential solution tested. Three conclusions were reached: young breastfeeding infants were best managed using a supplemented suckling technique; routine antibiotics from admission reduced mortality; and in adults with oedematous malnutrition, therapeutic diets with a lower-than-usual protein:energy ratio were effective in reducing mortality and permitting catch-up weight gain.
Golden
B E
BE
Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, UK.
Corbett
M
M
McBurney
R
R
Golden
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007988:Liberia / Q000453:epidemiology; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy; D012036:Refugees; D012106:Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012998:Somalia / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004044:Dietary Proteins