Collins and Yates have proposed a classification of acute pediatric malnutrition that can help direct appropriate patient management. The authors are from Valid International and Action Aid in London.
Acute malnutrition is divided based on:
(1) the severity of malnutrition
(2) whether complicated or not
Severity of Malnutrition
moderate
severe
Weight for Height
70 - 80% of median weight for height for age
< 70% of median weight for height for age
SD score, Weight for Height
>= -3 and < -2 SD
< -3 SD
bilateral pitting edema
absent
present
mid-upper arm circumference
110 - 125 mm
< 110 mm
Clinical Parameters
Uncomplicated - all of the following
Complicated - any of the following
mental status
alert
not alert
appetite
present
absent (anorexia)
symptoms
clinically well
lower respiratory tract infection OR high fever OR severe dehydration OR severe anemia
Malnutrition
Management
moderate uncomplicated
outpatient supplementary care
severe uncomplicated
outpatient therapeutic care
moderate or severe complicated
inpatient stabilization care
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