Description

Okoromah et al identified factors associated with malnutrition in infants and young children with congenital heart disease (CHD). These can help to identify children who should have their nutritional status monitored and who may benefit from nutritional support. The authors are from the University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.


 

Patient selection: infant or young child with congenital heart disease

 

Clinical features of malnutrition:

(1) wasting

(2) stunting

(3) underweight for age

 

Factors associated with malnutrition:

(1) anemia

(2) moderate to severe congestive heart failure

(3) poor dietary intake of fat

(4) delay in surgical correction of heart defect

(5) early weaning (which may be correlated with fatigability in heart failure)

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.