Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Protein energy malnutrition other diagnostic studies
Introduction
Overview
Overview
There are several parameters that can be used in the assessment of a child with protein-energy malnutrition. Malnutrition can be assessed according to the WHO based on mid-upper arm circumference into moderate and severe malnutrition. Other parameters include the Z-score which assesses linear growth and weight for length.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Other Diagnostic Studies
There are several parameters that can be used in the assessment of a child with protein energy malnutrition. Malnutrition can be assessed according to the WHO as follows:[1][2]
| Clinical term | Clinical measure | Classification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate malnutrition | Severe malnutrition | ||
| Wasting | Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) | 11.5 to 12.4 cm | <11.5 cm |
| Weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) | –2 to –3 | <–3 | |
| Kwashiorkor | Absent | Present | |
*Mid-upper arm circumference(MUAC):
When time, money and experienced/ skilled personnel is in shortage such in times of flood and refugee camps, the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is an accurate and efficient way to screen for malnutrition
*Z scores: The severity of wasting or stunting is defined by comparing a child’s weight and height measurements with those of a population reference standard.
Assessment of Linear Growth
| Z-score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Z-score >-2 | No stunting |
| Z-score >-3 and <=-2 | Moderate stunting |
| Z-score <=-3 | Severe stunting |
Assessment of Weight for Length
| Z-score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Z-score >-2 | No wasting |
| Z-score >-3 and <=-2 | Moderate wasting |
| Z-score <=-3 | Severe wasting |
References
References
- ↑ Grellety E, Krause LK, Shams Eldin M, Porten K, Isanaka S (2015). “Comparison of weight-for-height and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in a therapeutic feeding programme in South Sudan: is MUAC alone a sufficient criterion for admission of children at high risk of mortality?”. Public Health Nutr. 18 (14): 2575–81. doi:10.1017/S1368980015000737. PMID 25805273.
- ↑ Powell-Tuck J, Hennessy EM (2003). “A comparison of mid upper arm circumference, body mass index and weight loss as indices of undernutrition in acutely hospitalized patients”. Clin Nutr. 22 (3): 307–12. PMID 12765671.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]