How does baseline anthropometry affect anthropometric outcomes in children receiving treatment for severe acute malnutrition? A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 11.5 cm and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) < −3 are used for screening for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Underweight and concurrent wasting and stunting may better target those at the highest risk of mortality. We compared anthropometric outcomes in children enrolled in a trial of antibiotics for SAM based on categories of baseline anthropometry, including indicators for programme admission (WHZ < −3, MUAC < 11.5) and alternative indicators (weight-for-age Z-score [WAZ] < −3, concurrent wasting and stunting [WHZ < −3 and height-for-age Z-score