Frequency of hypoglycemia in severe acute malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutrition is a major pediatric health issue globally and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Hypoglycemia is a basic metabolic complication in pediatric patients which can be easily prevented by proper care and management. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of hypoglycemia in severe acute malnourished children. Study design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Department of pediatric nutritional rehabilitation center, Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health (CH & ICH) Multan for six months. Patients less'than 2 years and having SAM (severe acute malnutrition) were selceted for the study after taking written concent from caregiver. All the patients were subjected to measurement of blood glucose level by strip method. Hypoglycemia was labeled according to value mentioned in operational definition Results: The study was conducted on 147 children. Out of 147, 12 (8.2%) patients were found to be hypoglycemic. Out of 24 kwashiorkor patients 3 (12.5%) were hypoglycemic. Out of 123 marasmic patients 9 (7.3%) patients were found to be hypoglycemic. Edematous patients were found to be more prone to hypoglycemia, liver complications and hepatic functioning changes. Conclusion: Hypoglycemia is a major factor which increase morbidity and mortality in children with SAM. It is more commonly seen in kwashiorkor, with early intervention lives of many children can be saved.