Impact of Moderate and Severe Acute Malnutrition on Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Children with Recurrent Chest Infections
Background; - Recurrent chest infections remain a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization among children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Malnutrition is a significant contributing factor that adversely affects immune function, respiratory muscle strength, tissue repair, and response to infection. Children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are more vulnerable to recurrent infections and demonstrate prolonged illness, increased complications, and delayed recovery. However, the influence of different grades of acute malnutrition on clinical outcomes among hospitalized children with recurrent chest infections requires further evaluation.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among 105 children hospitalized with recurrent chest infections. Children aged 6 months to 5 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards based on weight-for-height/length Z-score and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Participants were categorized into normal nutritional status, moderate acute malnutrition, and severe acute malnutrition groups. Clinical outcomes including duration of hospitalization, need for oxygen therapy, antibiotic duration, complications, and recovery status were compared among groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, ANOVA, and appropriate post-hoc analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Among 105 children, 42 (40.0%) had normal nutritional status, 38 (36.2%) had moderate acute malnutrition, and 25 (23.8%) had severe acute malnutrition. Children with severe acute malnutrition had significantly longer hospital stays compared with children with normal nutritional status and moderate acute malnutrition (p<0.001). Requirement for oxygen supplementation was significantly higher among SAM children (68.0%) compared with MAM (39.5%) and well-nourished children (19.0%) (p=0.002). Complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, and treatment failure were more frequent among severely malnourished children (p=0.004). Recovery time was significantly prolonged in children with worsening nutritional status.Conclusion: Acute malnutrition, particularly severe acute malnutrition, significantly worsens clinical outcomes in children hospitalized with recurrent chest infections. Early identification and nutritional intervention may reduce complications, hospital stay, and improve recovery outcomes