DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2024.v12i06.006

Pages: 741-745

Background: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) possess a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality among children under five years old. Objective: This study aimed to assess the Clinical Profile and Outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition Patients attending a Secondary Level District Hospital in Bangladesh. Method: Conducted from July 2022 to Jun 2023, this prospective cross-sectional study included 62 children aged 1 to 59 months admitted with SAM. Written permission was obtained from guardians, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: The study revealed that infants aged 12 to 24 months comprised the majority (43.5%) of the sample, with the significant proportion falling within the 1 to 5-months range (29%). Males slightly outnumbered females, constituting 56.45% of the population, while 77.42% of participants hailed from rural areas. Common health issues included cough (38.7%), anorexia (20.96%), acute watery diarrhoea (11.29%), and edema (17.74%). Anemia was the predominant complication affecting 58.06% of individuals, followed by pneumonia (54.55%) and urinary tract infections (9.67%), septicemia (5%). The majority (54.55%) of individuals had a hospital stay exceeding 15 days, and only a minority (41.93%) adhered to follow-up appointments post-hospitalization. Regarding weight gain outcomes, 45.16% exhibited good weight gain, 37.09% medium, and 17.74% poor. Conclusion: The study highlights significant health challenges among infants aged 1 to 6 months, with predominant cases in the 12 to 24 months range. Common issues include fever, acute respiratory infections, with pneumonia being the major complication. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) often coexists with pneumonia, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management. ..........