The World Health Organization (WHO) reported criteria for the diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition. These criteria are similar to the Waterlow criteria but use standard deviation (SD) rather than percent of normal.
Parameters:
(1) symmetrical edema
(2) weight-for-height as SD score (z score), as a marker of wasting
(3) height for age as SD score (z score), as a marker of stunting
Parameter
Moderate Malnutrition
Severe Malnutrition
symmetrical edema
no
yes
weight-for-height
z score < -2 and >= -3
(70 to 79%)
z score < -3
(< 70%)
height-for-age
z score < -2 and >= -3
(85 to 89%)
z score for < -3
(< 85%)
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