Malnutrition underlies more than 50% of childhood mortality in Nigeria. It contributes significantly to
mortality rates in children less than 5years of age. Prevalent childhood illnesses beyond the neonatal
period are acute respiratory infections amongst other and outcome of treatment is invariably related to
nutritional status. We sought to determine the morbidity pattern and nutritional status of children 5years
and below admitted into the children emergency unit without primary diagnosis of malnutrition.
Consenting subjects over a one year period between 0-5years were recruited into the study. Data retrieved
included age, sex, weight, length/height and mid-upper arm circumference, clinical diagnosis amongst
others.
Seventy three subjects 5years and below were recruited out of 113 patients seen during the period. Mean
age 21.518.5months. Most (43.8%) were infants. Acute respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchiolitis
and pharyngotonsillitis) accounted for 51.4% of admission, malaria 22.3% sickle cell anaemia 8.3% and
UTI 6.1% amongst others. Malnutrition was seen in 48.9% using WHZ, 15.1% had severe acute
malnutrition, 10.9% were overweight while 9.6% had severe stunting. Most cases of SAM were seen in
patients with pneumonia (35.7%). Malaria had mainly subjects with MAM (60%). Over-nutrition was seen
more in subjects with UTI (50%), pneumonia (28.4%), bronchiolitis (33.3%) and malaria (20%). Severe
stunted was noted among subjects with pneumonia (21.4%), UTI (25%) and bronchiolitis (33.3%).
Malnutrition remains an underlying co-morbidity in children 5years and below. Intensified efforts at
community and clinical management of malnutrition in all children is needed