Tag: Mortality rate

Nearly half of all deaths among children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition, a critical component of malnutrition. However, the mortality rate for malnutrition is not a single number, but varies significantly depending on age, severity, and the presence of co-existing illnesses. This article explores the complex factors that influence malnutrition mortality rates, highlighting key statistics and the populations most at risk.

According to a 2020 study published in *JAMA*, celiac disease is associated with a small but statistically significant increased mortality risk compared to the general population. The idea of an “average age of death for celiac disease” is therefore misleading, as the condition itself is not fatal, but its complications—especially when left untreated—can negatively impact lifespan.

During epidemics in the early 20th century, especially in the American South, the mortality rate of pellagra was high, with approximately 100,000 deaths recorded between 1906 and 1940. This niacin deficiency disease proved fatal for many, largely impacting vulnerable populations.

A study published in 2020 on malnourished medical inpatients revealed a significantly increased 180-day mortality rate of 29.8% in those with confirmed refeeding syndrome. This metabolic complication, though often preventable, can lead to severe and potentially fatal outcomes.

Left untreated, kwashiorkor is almost always fatal, with death often caused by infection, dehydration, or liver failure. The specific mortality rate of kwashiorkor is highly variable, depending on factors such as the severity of malnutrition, the presence of complications, and the timeliness of medical intervention.

Globally, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major contributor to under-five mortality, with approximately one million deaths annually. This high mortality rate is tragically linked to conditions like kwashiorkor and marasmus, which are the most extreme forms of the disease. This article explores the specific mortality rates and the critical factors that influence survival outcomes for these two severe nutritional disorders.

While severe hyponatremia is associated with a high mortality rate, particularly in hospitalized patients, recent research suggests that patients often die from underlying medical conditions rather than the low sodium levels themselves. The precise mortality statistics for hyponatremia are complex and depend on several factors, including the severity of the sodium imbalance and the presence of comorbid diseases.