ABSTRACT
Background: Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five years in developing countries. Despite economic growth of nearly 10% per annum, in India in 2006 the NFHS-3 indicated that 6.4% of children below 60 months of age were suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This study was undertaken to know the prevalence and the risk factors associated with SAM in ICDS block of rural Hubli.Methods: This was a cross sectional observational community based study conducted in the ICDS block of rural Hubli. All children in the age group of 0- 59 months were included in the study. The study is conducted by the department and it is self-funded by the authors, no monetary benefit either from the institute or from the government or its organization.Results: Among 1796 children who were examined in present study, the prevalence of SAM children was 5.79% (104 children). 48% were in the age group of 37 months to 59 months. Male: female ratio was 2:3. 51% of the mothers and 47.1% of fathers were illiterate. 82.7% of the parents had per capita income belonged to class 5 of the modified B.G. Prasad classification. 60% of the SAM children were seen in families who had 3 or 4 children. Maternal anemia, IUGR and PIH were seen in 53.6%, 21.6% and 18% respectively. Low birth weight (<2.5kg) and Birth asphyxia were seen in 80.6% and 11.1%.Conclusions: The risk factors for SAM were illiteracy, low per capita income, high order births, maternal anemia, IUGR, PIH, low birth weight and Birth asphyxia. Due emphasis should be given in improving the knowledge and practices of the parents on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices.
ABSTRACT
Background: Magnesium deficiency is common in critical illness and is said to be associated with increased need for mechanical ventilation, mortality and prolonged ICU stay. The knowledge of hypomagnesemia is essential as available data is scarce and it could have prognostic and therapeutic implications. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia at the time of admission in PICU and its correlation with length of PICU stay, duration on mechanical ventilator and outcome at the end of hospital stay-death or discharge.Methods: This is a prospective observational study including 343 children aged 1month to 12years admitted to PICU. Detailed history taking and clinical examination was done for all enrolled children. At admission, blood was collected for estimation of serum magnesium. Patients were categorized into three groups i.e., hypomagnesemia, normomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia and data was analysed.Results: Out of 343 children, 28% had hypomagnesemia, 7.3% had hypermagnesemia and 64.7% had normomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia was more common in neurological disorders. No association was found between magnesium and length of mechanical ventilation. PICU stay was significantly longer in hypomagnesemia group (p=0.031). 37.5% patients with hypomagnesemia also had hypocalcemia and 35.4% had hypokalemia. Mortality rate was higher in those with hypomagnesemia (30.2%) compared to those with normomagnesemia (22.1%).Conclusions: Patients with hypomagnesemia had increased duration of PICU stay, other associated electrolyte abnormalities and higher mortality. Hence monitoring of magnesium levels in critically ill patients is indicated.