Improving the management of severe acute malnutrition in an area of high HIV prevalence

Type Journal Article - Journal of tropical pediatrics
Title Improving the management of severe acute malnutrition in an area of high HIV prevalence
Author(s)
Volume 54
Issue 6
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2008
Page numbers 364-369
URL https://academic.oup.com/tropej/article/54/6/364/1677826/Improving-the-Management-of-Severe-Acute
Abstract
Aim: To assess the clinical outcomes of a combined approach to the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in an area of high HIV prevalence using: (i) an initial inpatient phase, based on WHO guidelines and (ii) an outpatient recovery phase using ready-to-use therapeutic food.
Methods: An operational prospective cohort study implemented in a referral hospital in Southern Malawi between May 2003 and 2004. Patient outcomes were compared with international standards and with audits carried out during the year preceding the study.
Results: Inpatient mortality was 18% compared to 29% the previous year. Programme recovery rate was 58.1% compared to 45% the previous year. The overall programme mortality rate was 25.7%. Of the total known HIV seropositive children, 49.5% died.
Conclusions: Inpatient mortality and cure rates improved compared to pre-study data but the overall mortality rate did not meet international standards. Additional interventions will be needed if these standards are to be achieved.

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