[Nutritional status and risk in hospitalized children].
BACKGROUND
A few studies report malnutrition in hospitalized patients.


METHODS
This one-day cross-sectional survey performed in January 1999 assessed nutritional status and protein-energy intake in a pediatric population hospitalized in medicine or surgery units. Every child older than six months, hospitalized for more than 48 h and free of nutritional support (parenteral, enteral, or special regimens for metabolic diseases) was included.


RESULTS
Fifty-eight children among the 183 present the day of the study met the inclusion criteria and were included in the statistical analysis. They were hospitalized in medicine (48%), psychiatry (31%) and surgery (21%). The body mass index (BMI) was below -2 standard deviations (DS) in 21% of them. Excluding patients with anorexia nervosa, BMI was < -2 SD, > +2 SD, or in between these limits in respectively 12, 14 and 74%. Energy intake measured at the hospital was below 75% of the recommended dietary allowances in two-thirds of the children whether malnourished or not. Fifty percent of the malnourished children had been referred to a dietician the day of the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Malnutrition is frequent in a population of hospitalized children. Energy intake and referral to a dietician are insufficient.
Hankard
R
R
Comité de liaison alimentation nutrition, hôpital Robert-Debré, 48, boulevard Serurier, 75019 Paris, France. regis.hankard@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr
Bloch
J
J
Martin
P
P
Randrianasolo
H
H
Bannier
M F
MF
Machinot
S
S
Cézard
J P
JP
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009748:Nutrition Disorders; D009752:Nutritional Status
D004044:Dietary Proteins
Etat et risque nutritionnel de l'enfant hospitalisé.