2009 WHO Criteria for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in a Pediatric Patient from 6 to 60 Months Old

Patient selection: age 6 to 60 months (0.5 to 5 years)

Parameters:

(1) z score for weight-for-height (indication of wasting)

(2) mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in mm (indication of wasting)

(3) bilateral edema

where:

• The use of MUAC to height z-score may give a more accurate assessment.

total number of indications of severe malnutrition =

= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 3

• The classic child with severe acute malnutrition will have all 3 findings.