Treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children less than 6 months, and to shed light on the mid-upper arm circumference at this group.

Abstract

Aim of the research: Study the effectiveness of the application of modern recommendations of the World Health Organization in treating cases of severe acute malnutrition in children less than 6 months, and to shed light on the measurements of the mid-upper arm circumference( MUAC) at this group.

Methods: The study was conducted at Children's University Hospital in Damascus, a prospective study between 1/1/2024-1/1/2025, including 71children, aged less than 6 months was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition and according to the standards of  WHO , it was performed to measure MUAC have with the application of the recommendations of the WHO in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition.

Results: It was diagnosed 71 patients of severe acute malnutrition according to the standards of WHO, 40 males and 30 females, aged between (1-6) ​​months, primary severe  acute  malnutrition was present in (50) patients (70 %), secondary in (30 %), The clinical type edematous was noted  in  (33) patients  ( 46%); non edematous in(54%). The average duration of hospitalization was(18) days. The average daily weight gain was ) (10-15) g/kg/ day; in (42) patients (59%). the healing rate was 60 patients; 84%, and 9 patients of death 12%.

We conducted a measurement of the MUAC all studied sample values ​​were compatible with the Z-score less than (SD-3) ranging from (80-110 mm).

Conclusions: We have found that the World Health Organization recommendations play a major role in the management of children less than 6 months who have  severe acute  malnutrition ; Especially in shortening the duration of hospitalization and increased daily weight gain rate.). We also found that the values ​​of the MUAC in the study sample is between (80-110 mm)