The Prevalence of Malnutrition in critically ill septic Pediatric: Findings from Akbar Children's Hospital in Mashhad

Background: Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition resulting from an infection and is recognized as a critical global health concern. Among children, sepsis causes many deaths and affects one-third of those in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). Malnutrition in children, especially those in PICUs, increases susceptibility to sepsis. Critically ill children, especially those with sepsis, are at increased risk of malnutrition. Knowing the nutritional status at the start of hospitalization and patient management, planning and decision-making is particularly important.Methods: A Cross-sectional study conducted at Akbar Children's Hospital in Mashhad involved ۵۴ children aged one month to ۱۰ years with sepsis. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height/length, BMI, and Z-scores were evaluated/calculated. Malnutrition was diagnosed using the weight-for-height Z score; a Z-score of -۲ or lower was used to indicate moderate or severe malnutrition. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version ۲۲.۰, with a significance level considered at P-values less than ۰.۰۵.Results: The study included ۵۴ septic patients in PICU, including ۵۳.۷% girls and ۴۶.۳% boys. The mean age was ۳۷ months, and mean body weight and height were ۱۳.۶۲ kg, and ۸۸.۸۵ cm, respectively. Malnutrition was found in ۱۸.۵% of the studied patients as moderate and ۱۳% as severe grades, while ۶۸.۵% had a normal nutritional status.Conclusion: Malnutrition is prevalent among critically ill septic patients, indicating a crucial need for prompt intervention. Regular nutritional assessments and early, intensified nutritional support considering evidence-based local protocols, are essential for ensuring adequate energy and nutrients, potentially leading to improved outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

Keywords:

Sepsis , Children , Malnutrition , Inflammation , PICU