Nutritional Status of Hospitalized Children

Overview

At the First Paediatric Clinic (1st DK) and Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation (KAR) of the FacultyHospital Prague Motol and the Second Medical Faculty, Charles University from April till May 1998 the nutritionalstatus of 364 hospitalized children was assessed. Using anthromopometric methods (weight/height, BMI, height/he-ight, mid-arm circumference) and biochemical methods (total protein, albumin) malnutr ition was detected in 109children. Acute protein-energy malnutrition was found in 14.5% of the admitted children (12.7% 1st DK, 32.3%KAR), chronic protein-calorie malnutrition in 5.9% children (6.3% 1st DK, 3% KAR). Protein malnutrition wasdetected in 12.4% children (8.8% 1st DK, 47% KAR). As compared with adequately nourished children themalnourished children were younger, the period of hospitalization was significantly longer, their infusion therapywas more intensive and their mortality was much higher. In the conclusion the authors recommend that greaterand permanent attention should be paid to the diet and nutritional status of children.

Key words:
child, hospitalization, nutritional status