Category: Pediatrics

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects millions of children under 5 globally, contributing significantly to child mortality. Understanding what are the SAM criteria for malnutrition is crucial for identification and treatment.

According to a study published in the journal Bone Research, consuming ultra-processed foods can have a severe impact on the growing skeleton. While genetics play the most significant role in determining a person's height, certain dietary choices, particularly during childhood and adolescence, can negatively impact a person's potential, begging the question: which foods are bad for height growth?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic undernutrition leads to stunting in approximately 22% of children under five globally. Nutritional dwarfing is the severe manifestation of this chronic malnutrition, primarily affecting children and adolescents, resulting in stunted physical growth and delayed development.

According to the National Institutes of Health, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects a significant number of children and can present serious risks like aspiration. For these children, thickened water is a medical intervention, not a casual drink, and should never be administered without a professional diagnosis and strict guidance from a healthcare provider or speech-language pathologist.

According to the National Institutes of Health, hypophosphatemia, or low phosphate levels in the blood, is a hallmark of all forms of rickets. The crucial role of phosphate in rickets stems from its essential function in bone mineralization and growth plate development, with deficiency leading to soft, weakened bones and deformities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is responsible for nearly half of all deaths in children under five globally. Among the most severe forms are marasmus and kwashiorkor, two distinct diseases caused by protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). While both are devastating, understanding the specific differences between marasmus and kwashiorkor disease is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 20% of the US population may have insufficient vitamin D levels, a concerning statistic that can include children. A child's vitamin D level, measured via a simple blood test, is a crucial indicator of their bone health and overall development. Ensuring your child maintains an adequate level is essential for preventing serious health issues.

Hypokalemia is a frequent and serious complication in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), particularly those with diarrhea, and is associated with significantly increased mortality rates. Therefore, proper management of this electrolyte imbalance is a cornerstone of treatment to improve patient outcomes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects millions of children globally and significantly increases their risk of mortality. To combat this, the WHO developed a comprehensive 10-step protocol for inpatient care, a structured approach designed to restore health in the most vulnerable children.

Iron deficiency anemia is a major public health problem globally, affecting children and women of childbearing age in particular. This crucial mineral is essential for proper development, and a deficiency can have a significant impact on health. So, does having low iron stunt growth? Research confirms a strong link between severe iron deficiency and impaired physical development, especially during critical growth periods like infancy.