These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Long-stay versus short-stay hospital treatment of children suffering from severe protein-energy malnutrition.
    Author: Heikens GT, Schofield WN, Dawson SM, Waterlow JC.
    Journal: Eur J Clin Nutr; 1994 Dec; 48(12):873-82. PubMed ID: 7889896.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To contrast early discharge versus attempted full nutritional rehabilitation in hospital of children suffering from severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). DESIGN: Field experiment, two-way analysis of variance with one between group (short- versus long-stay) and one repeated measures factor (admission, then 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months post-admission). Covariates introduced. SETTING: Primary health care, Kingston, Jamaica. SUBJECTS: n = 81; mean age 11 months; 79 contribute longitudinal data; 44 every measurement. INTERVENTIONS: When concurrent illnesses had been treated and normal feeding re-established (weight gain 5 g/kg.day-1), subjects were randomly allocated to short-stay (SS) or long-stay (LS) group. LS retained in hospital for full nutritional rehabilitation mean 40 days). SS discharged immediately (mean 18 days) for standard Health Service care at home for 6 months plus high-energy supplement (3.31 MJ with 20.6 g protein daily) for first 3 months. After discharge LS received 6 months home care, but without supplementation. RESULTS: Significant advantages for LS group on NCHS weight & length for age at discharge, and at 12, 18, 24 and for length also 30 months (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Weight advantage peaked at 12 and 18 months, length later at 18 and 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to earlier reports, full nutritional rehabilitation can be achieved in hospital for children suffering from PEM. Although in the long-term both groups move towards expected levels in their home community, a significant advantage maintained for approximately 2 years is developmentally advantageous during the critical time after weaning.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]