RESUMO
ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the association between childhood hunger experiences and the prevalence of chronic diseases later in life. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), a nationally representative study of persons aged 50 years and older (n = 9 412). Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to describe the sample, and multivariate logistic regressions to examine the association between childhood hunger and hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis. Adjusted odds ratios and predicted probabilities were calculated. Results. 24.7% of Brazilians aged 50 and over experienced hunger during childhood. This harmful exposure was significantly more common among non-white people, individuals with lower educational attainment, lower household income and heavy manual laborers. Regional variation was also observed, as the prevalence of individuals reporting childhood hunger was higher in the North and Northeast regions. The multivariate analysis revealed that older adults who reported having experienced hunger during childhood had 20% higher odds of developing diabetes in adulthood (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.41) and 38% higher odds of developing osteoporosis (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15 - 1.64) than adults who did not experience hunger during childhood, after controlling for covariates. Conclusions. The study showed an association between childhood hunger and two chronic diseases in later life: diabetes and osteoporosis. This work restates that investing in childhood conditions is a cost-effective way to have a healthy society and provides evidence on relationships that deserve further investigation to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar la asociación entre las experiencias de hambre en la niñez y la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas en las etapas posteriores de la vida. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal utilizando como línea de base los datos del Estudio Longitudinal del Envejecimiento en Brasil (ELSI-Brasil), un estudio nacional representativo de personas de 50 años o más (n = 9 412). Se emplearon análisis univariado y bivariado para describir la muestra, y regresión logística multivariada para examinar la asociación entre el hambre en la niñez y la hipertensión, la diabetes, la artritis y la osteoporosis. Se calcularon las razones de posibilidades ajustadas y las probabilidades previstas. Resultados. El 24,7% de los brasileños de 50 años o más pasó hambre en la niñez. Esta experiencia perjudicial fue considerablemente más común en las personas no blancas, las personas con menor nivel de instrucción, las personas con ingresos familiares bajos y los trabajadores de mano de obra pesada. También se observó una variación regional, puesto que la prevalencia de individuos que expresaron haber pasado hambre en la niñez fue mayor en las regiones Norte y Nordeste. Luego de controlar las covariables, el análisis multifactorial reveló que los adultos mayores que dijeron haber pasado hambre en la niñez tenían una probabilidad 20% mayor de tener diabetes en la edad adulta (aOR = 1,20, IC 95%: 1,02 - 1,41) y 38% mayor de tener osteoporosis (aOR = 1,38, IC 95%: 1,15 - 1,64) que los adultos que no habían pasado hambre en la niñez. Conclusiones. El estudio reveló una asociación entre el hambre en la niñez y dos enfermedades crónicas en las etapas posteriores de la vida: la diabetes y la osteoporosis. Este trabajo reafirma que invertir en las condiciones de vida de las personas en la niñez es una manera costoeficaz de tener una sociedad saludable, al tiempo que aporta evidencia acerca de relaciones que merecen investigarse más a fin de esclarecer los mecanismos subyacentes.
RESUMO Objetivos. Avaliar a associação entre a experiência de passar fome na infância e a prevalência posterior de doenças crônicas. Métodos. Um estudo transversal foi realizado a partir de dados básicos do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil), uma pesquisa com representatividade nacional realizada com pessoas de 50 anos ou mais (n = 9.412). Análises univariadas e bivariadas foram usadas para descrever a amostra e a regressão logística multivariada foi aplicada para examinar a associação entre passar fome na infância e hipertensão, diabetes, artrite e osteoporose. Foram calculadas razões de chances (odds ratio, OR) ajustadas e probabilidades previstas. Resultados. Verificou-se que 24,7% dos brasileiros com 50 anos ou mais passaram fome na infância. Esta exposição prejudicial foi significativamente mais frequente em pessoas não brancas, com nível de instrução menor e renda familiar mais baixa e em trabalhadores braçais. Observou-se também uma variação regional, com uma maior prevalência de pessoas que relataram ter passado fome na infância nas Regiões Norte e Nordeste. Na análise multivariada, nos idosos que informaram ter passado fome na infância, a probabilidade foi 20% maior de ter diabetes na idade adulta (ORaj 1,20; IC 95% 1,02-1,41) e 38% maior de ter osteoporose (ORaj 1,38, IC 95% 1,15-1,64) em comparação aos adultos que não passaram fome na infância, após o controle de covariáveis. Conclusões. O estudo demonstrou associação entre passar fome na infância e duas doenças crônicas na vida adulta: diabetes e osteoporose. Este trabalho reitera que investir na infância é uma maneira custo-efetiva de se criar uma sociedade saudável e fornece evidências sobre relações que devem ser pesquisadas mais a fundo para esclarecer os processos subjacentes.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Osteoporose/etiologia , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Fome , Diabetes Mellitus/etiologia , Acontecimentos que Mudam a Vida , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Brasil , Doença Crônica/classificação , Estudos TransversaisRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Recent measles outbreaks in the United States and Europe have highlighted the threat of the disease. We studied the 1917-1918 epidemic in Puerto Rico to better understand the social and place-specific risk factors and severity of such crises. METHODS: We reviewed medical and government reports, newspapers and private contemporary documents. RESULTS: The epidemic developed over two years, encompassed the Island, and caused nearly 2,000 deaths among more than 9,000 registered cases (with much underreporting). During the first six months, 59% of fatalities were children under 2 years of age. Officials recognized poor nutrition and living conditions as an important determinant of epidemic severity. Responses came from different social sectors before the central government mobilized to help. In San Juan, Catholic and Protestant churches and philanthropic women from both Spanish and Englishlanguage communities joined to provide free milk to needy children and create a temporary Infants' Hospital. Despite food scarcity and wartime conditions, central and municipal governments established hospitals and milk stations. CONCLUSION: Studies that examine the impact of reemerging diseases in a time and place-specific context look at disease severity together with the socioeconomic conditions of patients and health care systems. This type of investigation also suggests avenues into the history of pediatrics, the use of epidemiologic methods, the utility of historical statistics, nutritional history, and the history of disaster response. Historical and recent outbreaks show the need for health care professionals and public health systems to be prepared to confront measles epidemics.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/história , Surtos de Doenças/história , Desnutrição/história , Sarampo/história , Fatores Etários , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Pré-Escolar , História do Século XX , Humanos , Desnutrição/complicações , Sarampo/epidemiologia , Sarampo/mortalidade , Saúde Pública/história , Porto Rico/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Fatores SocioeconômicosRESUMO
Introduction: Children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) suffer from malnutrition because of nutritional deficiencies, being short stature the possible long-term consequence. Objective: To describe the presence of short stature among children undergoing cardiac surgery for CHDs. Population and methods: Retrospective study. Children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass pump between 2009 and 2013 were included. Preterm infants, carriers of genetic syndromes or other disease with nutritional compromise were excluded. Demographic data, type of CHD, admission surgery and anthropometric assessment using the WHO standards were studied. Short stature was defined as lenght/height for age Z score < -2 standard deviations, by sex. Results: A total of 640 children were studied; 361 (56.4 %) were boys; median age: 8 months (IQR: 1.9; 34.6); 66 children underwent > 1 surgery; 27 of them (40.9 %) had hypoplasia of the left ventricle. There were 358 (55.9 %) infants with cyanotic CHDs, 196 (30.6 %) with univentricular physiology. The median HAZ was -0.9 (IQR: -1.9; -0.1); 135 (21.1 %) had a short stature, 11 % of newborn infants and 24.1 % of older than one month old. A higher frequency of short stature was observed in 4 out of 6 children who underwent complete repair of the atrioventricular canal, in 15 out of 39 infants with repair of tetralogy of Fallot, in 8 out of 25 infants with hypoplasia of the left ventricle subjected to Glenn procedure, and in 34 out of 103 with closure of the ventricular septal defect. No association or statistically significant difference was found between short stature and cyanosis or univentricular physiology. Conclusions: There is a high frequency of short stature among children with CHDs, with differences according to the type of CHD and cardiac surgery performed.
Introducción. Los niños con cardiopatías congénitas (CC) presentan malnutrición por déficit; una posible consecuencia a largo plazo es la talla baja. Objetivo. Describir la presencia de talla baja en niños con CC al momento de su cardiocirugía. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron niños sometidos a cardiocirugía con circulación extracorpórea en 2009-2013. Se excluyeron prematuros, con síndromes genéticos u otra enfermedad con compromiso nutricional. Se estudiaron variables demográficas, diagnóstico cardiológico, cirugía de ingreso y evaluación antropométrica según estándares de la Organización Mundial de la Salud; se definió talla baja como ZT/E < -2 desvíos estándar, según sexo. Resultados. Se estudiaron 640niños; 361 varones (el 56,4 %); mediana de edad: 8 meses (RIC: 1,9; 34,6); 66 niños tuvieron > 1 cirugía; 27 de ellos (el 40,9 %), con hipoplasia del ventrículo izquierdo. Fueron CC cianóticas 358 (el 55,9 %), con fisiología univentricular 196 (el 30,6 %). La mediana de ZT/E fue -0,9 (RIC: -1,9; -0,1); presentaron talla baja 135 (el 21,1 %), el 11 % en neonatos y el 24,1 % en mayores de un mes. Se encontró mayor frecuencia de talla baja en reparación completa de canal atrioventricular en 4/6 niños, reparación de tetralogía de Fallot en 15/39, Glenn en hipoplasia del ventrículo izquierdo en 8/25, cierre de comunicación interventricular en 34/103. No se encontró asociación ni diferencia con significación estadística entre talla baja y cianosis ni según fisiología univentricular. Conclusiones. Existe una alta frecuencia de talla baja en niños con CC, con diferencias según el diagnóstico cardiológico y la cardiocirugía realizada.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Cardíacos/métodos , Transtornos do Crescimento/epidemiologia , Cardiopatias Congênitas/cirurgia , Comunicação Interventricular/cirurgia , Estatura , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Transtornos do Crescimento/etiologia , Cardiopatias Congênitas/fisiopatologia , Comunicação Interventricular/epidemiologia , Humanos , Lactente , Transtornos da Nutrição do Lactente/complicações , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Smooth muscle tumors associated with Epstein-Barr virus infections (EBV-SMT) of laryngeal origin are exceedingly rare and have been reported in few adult patients, but not in children. This reported case describes a lesion found in the larynx of an 8-year-old Guatemalan undernourished girl. Microscopically, the lesion showed a highly cellular mesenchymal spindle cell tumor, containing frequent lymphocytes. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for α-smooth muscle actin and h-caldesmon. In addition, most of the tumor cells were positive for EBV by in situ hybridization. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first literature-reported case of laryngeal EBV-SMT occurring in an undernourished child.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Neoplasias Laríngeas/patologia , Neoplasias Laríngeas/virologia , Tumor de Músculo Liso/patologia , Tumor de Músculo Liso/virologia , Criança , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/complicações , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether the nutritional status of children with cancer is influenced by variations in cytokine concentrations observed during chemotherapy. We also evaluated whether this relationship could be modified by nutritional status at diagnosis and type of cancer. METHODS: Mexican children with lymphoma or solid tumors were evaluated at diagnosis and at 2- and 6-mo follow-up visits. Blood samples were obtained to determine serum prealbumin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, leptin concentrations, and hemoglobin. Children were classified as undernourished (UN) or well nourished (WN), according to prealbumin concentration. The influence of each cytokine on prealbumin concentration was analyzed by time-series regression model. RESULTS: Fifty patients (ages 2-17 y) were enrolled. There were 17 children with lymphomas and 33 with solid tumors. At baseline, 56% were UN and 26% presented anemia; the frequencies of UN children were higher for those with lymphoma than for those with a solid tumor (Pâ¯=â¯0.003). By nutritional status, UN children presented lower leptin (Pâ¯=â¯0.002) but higher IL-6 concentrations (Pâ¯=â¯0.009) than the WN group. Children with lymphoma presented lower prealbumin (Pâ¯=â¯0.003), but higher TNF-α (Pâ¯=â¯0.001) and IL-6 (Pâ¯=â¯0.011) concentrations than those with solid tumors. At follow-up, the concentration of prealbumin increased and IL-6 decreased in children with lymphoma. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that decreases in prealbumin concentration at the end of follow-up were associated with increases in IL-6 and TNF-α concentration during chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the cytokine responses during chemotherapy are related to nutritional status at the end of 6 mo of treatment regardless of the initial nutritional status and the type of cancer.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/sangue , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Citocinas/sangue , Neoplasias/sangue , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Estado Nutricional , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , México , Neoplasias/complicaçõesRESUMO
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy may be associated with comorbidities such as undernutrition, impaired growth and gastrointestinal symptoms. Children with cerebral palsy exhibit eating problems due to the effect on the anatomical and functional structures involved in the eating function resulting in malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between food intake, nutritional status and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 40 children with cerebral palsy (35 with spastic tetraparetic form and 5 with non-spastic choreoathetoid form of cerebral palsy, all requiring wheelchairs or bedridden) aged from 4 to 10 years. The dietary assessment with the parents was performed using the usual household food intake inquiry. Anthropometric data were collected. Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with deglutition disorders, gastroesophageal reflux and chronic constipation were also recorded. RESULTS: The median of height-for-age Z-score (-4.05) was lower (P<0.05) than the median of weight-for-age (-3.29) and weight-for-height (-0.94). There was no statistical difference between weight-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores. Three patients with cerebral palsy (7.5%) exhibited mild anemia, with normal ferritin levels in two. Symptoms of dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation were found in 82.5% (n=33), 40.0% (n=16), and 60.0% (n=24) of the sample, respectively. The patients with symptoms of dysphagia exhibited lower daily energy (1280.2±454.8 Kcal vs 1890.3±847.1 Kcal, P=0.009), carbohydrate (median: 170.9 g vs 234.5 g, P=0.023) and fluid intake (483.1±294.9 mL vs 992.9±292.2 mL, P=0.001). The patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal reflux exhibited greater daily fluid intake (720.0±362.9 mL) than the patients without symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (483.7±320.0 mL, P=0.042) and a greater height-for-age deficit (Z-score: -4.9±1.7 vs 3.7±1.5, P=0.033). The patients with symptoms of constipation exhibited lower daily dietary fiber (9.2±4.3 g vs 12.3±4.3 g, P=0.031) and fluid (456.5±283.1 mL vs 741.1±379.2 mL, P=0.013) intake. CONCLUSION: Children with cerebral palsy exhibited wide variability in food intake which may partially account for their severe impaired growth and malnutrition. Symptoms of dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation are associated with different food intake patterns. Therefore, nutritional intervention should be tailored considering the gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional status.
RESUMO CONTEXTO: Paralisia cerebral pode estar associada com comorbidades como desnutrição, déficit de crescimento e sintomas gastrintestinais. Os problemas alimentares na paralisia cerebral podem ser secundários a anormalidades anatômicas e funcionais que interferem no processo de alimentação. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre ingestão alimentar, estado nutricional e sintomas gastrintestinais em crianças com paralisia cerebral. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que incluiu 40 crianças com paralisia cerebral (35 com tetraparesia espástica e 5 com coreoatetose não-espástica) com idade entre 4 e 10 anos. Todos os pacientes permaneciam exclusivamente na cama ou dependiam de cadeiras de rodas. Foi utilizado o inquérito dos alimentos consumidos habitualmente em casa que foi respondido pelos pais. Foram mensurados os dados antropométricos. Sintomas gastrintestinais associados com distúrbios da deglutição, refluxo gastroesofágico e constipação intestinal crônica foram obtidos. RESULTADOS: A mediana do escore Z da estatura para idade (-4,05) foi menor (P<0,05) do que a mediana de peso-idade (-3,29) e peso-estatura (-0,94). Não se observou diferença entre os escores Z de peso-idade e peso-estatura. Três pacientes com paralisia cerebral (7,5%) apresentavam anemia leve com valor normal de ferritina. Sintomas de disfagia, refluxo gastroesofágico e constipação intestinal ocorreram, respectivamente, em 82,5% (n=33), 40,0% (n=16) e 60,0% (n=24) dos pacientes estudados. Os pacientes com sintomas de disfagia apresentaram menor ingestão energética diária (1280,2±454,8 Kcal vs 1890,3±847,1 Kcal; P=0,009), de carboidratos (mediana: 170,9 g vs 234,5 g; P=0,023) e de líquidos (483,1±294.9 mL vs 992,9±292,2 mL; P=0,001). Os pacientes com sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico apresentaram maior ingestão diária de líquidos (720,0±362,9 mL) em relação aos pacientes sem este tipo de manifestação clínica (483,7±320,0 mL; P=0.042) além de maior déficit de estatura-idade (escore Z: -4,9±1,7 vs 3,7±1,5; P=0,033). Os pacientes com sintomas de constipação intestinal apresentaram menor ingestão diária de fibra alimentar (9,2±4,3 g vs 12,3±4,3 g; P=0.031) e líquidos (456,5±283,1 mL vs 741,1± 379,2 mL; P=0,013). CONCLUSÃO: Crianças com paralisia cerebral apresentam uma grande variabilidade na ingestão alimentar que pode, pelo menos em parte, constituir um fator de agravo para o déficit de crescimento. Sintoma de disfagia, refluxo gastroesofágico e constipação intestinal associaram-se com diferentes padrões de ingestão alimentar. Portanto, a intervenção nutricional deve ser individualizada levando em consideração os sintomas gastrintestinais e o estado nutricional.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Transtornos de Deglutição/etiologia , Refluxo Gastroesofágico/etiologia , Paralisia Cerebral/complicações , Estado Nutricional , Constipação Intestinal/etiologia , Comorbidade , Antropometria , Estudos Transversais , Ingestão de Alimentos , Comportamento AlimentarRESUMO
Actualmente, el escorbuto es una entidad infrecuente en pediatría. Se han publicado reportes de casos que describen la enfermedad en lactantes alimentados con leche hervida, en pacientes con sobrecarga de hierro por enfermedades hematológicas y en niños con restricciones alimentarias por trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Se reporta el caso de un paciente masculino de 4 años con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista que desarrolló la enfermedad por un hábito alimentario selectivo de larga evolución, sin ingesta de frutas ni verduras. La importancia del reporte radica en informar al pediatra y a otros profesionales dedicados a la atención primaria de salud acerca del desarrollo de escorbuto como potencial consecuencia de las dietas restrictivas en niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo y de la trascendencia de la anamnesis alimentaria en pacientes con patología para evitar enfermedades asociadas a micronutrientes.
Scurvy is a very uncommon entity in pediatric population. Some case reports have been published in infants fed with boiled milk, in patients with iron overload secondary to hematological diseases and in children with food restrictions secondary to neurodevelopmental disorders. We report a case of a 4-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which developed scurvy secondary to a long-term selective eating habit without fruit or vegetable intake. The objective of this case report is to announce the pediatrician and other professionals dedicated to primary health care about scurvy as a potential consequence of restrictive diets in children with autism spectrum disorders as well as the importance of dietary history in sick patients to prevent associated micronutrient deficiencies.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Pré-Escolar , Escorbuto/diagnóstico , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Comportamento Alimentar , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/psicologia , Escorbuto/etiologia , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/etiologia , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/complicaçõesRESUMO
Scurvy is a very uncommon entity in pediatric population. Some case reports have been published in infants fed with boiled milk, in patients with iron overload secondary to hematological diseases and in children with food restrictions secondary to neurodevelopmental disorders. We report a case of a 4-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which developed scurvy secondary to a long-term selective eating habit without fruit or vegetable intake. The objective of this case report is to announce the pediatrician and other professionals dedicated to primary health care about scurvy as a potential consequence of restrictive diets in children with autism spectrum disorders as well as the importance of dietary history in sick patients to prevent associated micronutrient deficiencies.
Actualmente, el escorbuto es una entidad infrecuente en pediatría. Se han publicado reportes de casos que describen la enfermedad en lactantes alimentados con leche hervida, en pacientes con sobrecarga de hierro por enfermedades hematológicas y en niños con restricciones alimentarias por trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Se reporta el caso de un paciente masculino de 4 años con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista que desarrolló la enfermedad por un hábito alimentario selectivo de larga evolución, sin ingesta de frutas ni verduras. La importancia del reporte radica en informar al pediatra y a otros profesionales dedicados a la atención primaria de salud acerca del desarrollo de escorbuto como potencial consecuencia de las dietas restrictivas en niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo y de la trascendencia de la anamnesis alimentaria en pacientes con patología para evitar enfermedades asociadas a micronutrientes.
Assuntos
Transtorno do Espectro Autista/psicologia , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Comportamento Alimentar , Escorbuto/diagnóstico , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/complicações , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/etiologia , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Masculino , Escorbuto/etiologiaRESUMO
La desnutrición afecta la sociedad, principalmente a niños de recursos limitados, siendo los bajos niveles de minerales su consecuencia directa. Se desarrolló una investigación explicativa, con diseño experimental para evaluar la efectividad del consumo de un helado a base de Musa paradisiaca suplementado con probióticos en una población infantil de Cúcuta-Colombia. De una población de 238 escolares, 33 niños de 4 a 6 años tuvieron déficit séricos de Ca, Fe y K y se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Durante 60 días se les suministró diariamente el helado prueba al Grupo A y al Grupo B un helado placebo, registrándose peso, talla, niveles séricos de Ca, Fe y K antes, durante y después del suministro. Incrementaron significativamente (p = 0,01) los niveles de hierro y calcio en el Grupo A; mientras en el Grupo B permanecieron sin cambios. En ambos grupos aumentaron significativamente los niveles de potasio (p<0.05), con (p = 0.01) en el Grupo A. El peso corporal y talla de los niños evidenció un cambio significativo dentro de cada grupo (p < 0,05), aunque, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre grupos luego de la intervención. El consumo del helado a base de plátano suplementado con probióticos representa una alternativa para el abordaje del déficit de minerales en la población infantil(AU)
Malnutrition affects society, mainly children with limited resources, with low levels of minerals being the direct consequence. An explanatory research was developed, with experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of the consumption of an ice cream of Musa paradisiaca supplemented with probiotics in a child population of Cúcuta-Colombia. From 238 schoolchildren, a sample of 33 children aged 4 to 6 years with serum deficits of Ca, Fe and K participated and they were randomly divided into two groups. For 60 days the ice cream was supplied to Group A and Group B a placebo ice cream, registering weight, height, serum levels of Ca, Fe and K before, during and after the ice cream administration. There was a significant increase (p = 0.01) in the iron and calcium levels in Group A; with no significant changes for Group B. In both groups potassium was significantly increased (p <0.05). The body weight and height of the children was increased although there were no differences (p>0.05) between both groups. The consumption of banana-based ice cream supplemented with probiotics represents an alternative to address the deficit of minerals in children(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Alimentos Fortificados , Deficiência de Minerais , Probióticos , Alimentos, Dieta e NutriçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to assess STRONGkids as a tool for predicting weight loss and length of hospital stay in children and to determine whether the anthropometric diagnosis of nutritional status at the time of admission was associated with weight loss and length of hospital stay. METHODS: A methodological study recruiting 245 children age between 1 and 10 years of age admitted to a tertiary hospital. The participants were weighed daily until discharge. Validation of the STRONGkids tool for the identification of patients sustaining weight loss at the end of hospitalization involved the calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, and anthropometric assessment. RESULTS: A total of 129 (52.7%) children lost weight at the end of hospitalization. Of these, 73 (56.6%) lost over 2% of their weight on admission. The tool had a sensitivity of 55.8%, a specificity of 38.8% and a positive predictive value of 50.3% in identifying children who lost weight. The anthropometric assessment had a sensitivity of 26.5%, a specificity of 75.9%, and a positive predictive value of 49.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The model used to develop the STRONGkids tool incorporated clinical evaluation to a greater extent than the assessment of nutritional status. The tool, however, had a low sensitivity and a high percentage of false positives. Therefore, it should be considered as a preliminary evaluation tool and its use should be complemented with clinical data.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/diagnóstico , Criança Hospitalizada/estatística & dados numéricos , Tempo de Internação/estatística & dados numéricos , Avaliação Nutricional , Estado Nutricional/fisiologia , Redução de Peso/fisiologia , Brasil , Criança , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Estudos Prospectivos , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy may be associated with comorbidities such as undernutrition, impaired growth and gastrointestinal symptoms. Children with cerebral palsy exhibit eating problems due to the effect on the anatomical and functional structures involved in the eating function resulting in malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between food intake, nutritional status and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 40 children with cerebral palsy (35 with spastic tetraparetic form and 5 with non-spastic choreoathetoid form of cerebral palsy, all requiring wheelchairs or bedridden) aged from 4 to 10 years. The dietary assessment with the parents was performed using the usual household food intake inquiry. Anthropometric data were collected. Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with deglutition disorders, gastroesophageal reflux and chronic constipation were also recorded. RESULTS: The median of height-for-age Z-score (-4.05) was lower (P<0.05) than the median of weight-for-age (-3.29) and weight-for-height (-0.94). There was no statistical difference between weight-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores. Three patients with cerebral palsy (7.5%) exhibited mild anemia, with normal ferritin levels in two. Symptoms of dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation were found in 82.5% (n=33), 40.0% (n=16), and 60.0% (n=24) of the sample, respectively. The patients with symptoms of dysphagia exhibited lower daily energy (1280.2±454.8 Kcal vs 1890.3±847.1 Kcal, P=0.009), carbohydrate (median: 170.9 g vs 234.5 g, P=0.023) and fluid intake (483.1±294.9 mL vs 992.9±292.2 mL, P=0.001). The patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal reflux exhibited greater daily fluid intake (720.0±362.9 mL) than the patients without symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (483.7±320.0 mL, P=0.042) and a greater height-for-age deficit (Z-score: -4.9±1.7 vs 3.7±1.5, P=0.033). The patients with symptoms of constipation exhibited lower daily dietary fiber (9.2±4.3 g vs 12.3±4.3 g, P=0.031) and fluid (456.5±283.1 mL vs 741.1±379.2 mL, P=0.013) intake. CONCLUSION: Children with cerebral palsy exhibited wide variability in food intake which may partially account for their severe impaired growth and malnutrition. Symptoms of dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation are associated with different food intake patterns. Therefore, nutritional intervention should be tailored considering the gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional status.
Assuntos
Paralisia Cerebral/complicações , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Constipação Intestinal/etiologia , Transtornos de Deglutição/etiologia , Refluxo Gastroesofágico/etiologia , Estado Nutricional , Antropometria , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Comorbidade , Estudos Transversais , Ingestão de Alimentos , Comportamento Alimentar , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
La desnutrición hospitalaria constituye un importante problema de salud, tanto en países desarrollados como subdesarrollados. Identificarla es fundamental para evitar o minimizar la repercusión en la evolución clínica, complicaciones e incremento de la estancia hospitalaria. Objetivo: Se evaluó el riesgo biomédico de desnutrición en pacientes hospitalizados del Departamento de Pediatría y Puericultura del Hospital Militar "Dr. Carlos Arvelo" en el periodo de septiembrenoviembre 2016. Métodos: diseño descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal; se aplicó un instrumento para riesgo biomédico de desnutrición en niños y adolescentes, previamente validado para la población venezolana, a los pacientes hospitalizados, por medio de datos registrados en la historia clínica e interrogatorio de los representantes y/o cuidadores. A cada categoría obtenida se le asignó una ponderación, según su mayor o menor repercusión sobre el estado nutricional. La puntuación final permitió caracterizar al niño de acuerdo al riesgo. Resultados: Se evaluaron un total de 60 niños donde predominó el sexo femenino 60 % y los pacientes mayores de 2 años de edad fue de 61,6 %. De la población más frecuente, 55 % cursó con diarrea aguda. Dentro de las patologías crónicas más frecuente se reportó asma (21,6 %), y de las agudas, neumonía (30%). Los pacientes que reportaron mayor riesgo biomédico de desnutrición fueron los mayores de 2 años de edad. Conclusión: Son muchos los factores e indicadores biomédicos identificados como condicionantes(AU)
Hospital undernutrition is an important health problem, both in developed and underdeveloped countries. Identifying it is essential to avoid or minimize the impact on clinical evolution, complications and increase in hospital stay. Objective: The biomedical risk of malnutrition in hospitalized patients of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Care of the Military Hospital "Dr. Carlos Arvelo "in the period of September-November 2016. Methods: descriptive, prospective, transversal design; an instrument for Biomedical Risk of Malnutrition in children and adolescents, previously validated for the Venezuelan population, was applied to hospitalized patients, through data recorded in the clinical history and questioning of representatives and / or caregivers. Each weight category was assigned a weighting, according to its greater or lesser impact on nutritional status. The final score allowed to characterize the child according to the risk. Results: A total of 60 children were evaluated, where 60% of females predominated and 61.6% of patients over 2 years of age. Of the most frequent population, 55% had acute diarrhea. Among the most frequent chronic diseases, asthma (21.6%) was reported, and acute pneumonia (30%). The patients who reported the highest biomedical risk of malnutrition were those over 2 years of age. Conclusion: There are many biomedical factors and indicators identified as determinants of hospital malnutrition risk in the different scales, its frequency and importance varies in context of the study population, associated morbidity, health and socioeconomic conditions(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Recém-Nascido , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/etiologia , Criança Hospitalizada , Estado Nutricional , Asma , Avaliação Nutricional , Diarreia InfantilRESUMO
AIM: Malnutrition and infections cause immunological changes in lymphocyte subpopulations and their functionality. We evaluated the activation capacity of lymphocytes and memory cells in 10 well nourished, seven well-nourished infected and eight malnourished infected children before and after treatment. METHODS: All the children were patients in Mexico City and were less than three years of age. The expression of various cluster of differentiation (CD) cells was assessed by flow cytometry: CD45RA (naïve) and CD45RO (memory) antigens on CD4 lymphocytes and CD69 in all lymphocytes. RESULTS: Well-nourished infected children showed a higher percentage of activated T lymphocyte (T cells), CD8+ and CD4+ memory cells during the infectious phase, suggesting that the activation mechanisms were triggered by infection. T cells from malnourished infected children showed a lower percentage of activated and memory cells. The T cell population size returned to baseline during the resolution phase of the infection in well-nourished infected children, but their T, B lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell counts remained high. In malnourished infected children, activated NK cells counts were low before and after therapy. CONCLUSION: After therapy, malnourished infected children showed poor NK cell responses during the infection's resolution phase, suggesting a persistent malnutrition-mediated immunological deficiency.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/imunologia , Infecções/imunologia , Ativação Linfocitária , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Infecções/complicações , MasculinoRESUMO
La ingesta deficitaria es un factor determinante en la desnutrición infantil, un problema de salud pública frecuente en algunas zonas de Latinoamérica. Nuestro objetivo es valorar el desarrollo antropométrico, el consumo alimentario, la ingesta nutricional y su adecuación en escolares, según edad y género, de una zona rural de extrema pobreza de los Andes peruanosque ha recibido programas gubernamentales de ayuda alimentaria. Estudio descriptivo en 171 escolares de 8,9±1,67 años, 51,5% varones. El desarrollo antropométrico se valora mediante el Z-score IMC/edad, el consumo alimentario por la entrevista semiestructurada de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y el método de Recuerdo de 24 horas, la ingesta nutricional con la tabla de composición de alimentos peruana y francesa (REGAL) y su adecuación mediante la probabilidad de ingesta inadecuada (PII). Presentan delgadez el 4,7%, sobrepeso el 8,8% y obesidad el 0,6%. El consumo alimentario y la ingesta nutricional no presentan diferencia entre géneros, ni grupos de edad (6-9 años y 10-12 años). La distribución porcentual de macronutrientes es equilibrada. La PII de energía y la mayoría de nutrientes es significativamente mayor en el grupo de 10-12 años que en el de 6-9 años.Lasvitaminas A, D, C, B3 y folatosson deficientes en ambos grupos; y el calcio, hierro, vitamina E y vitamina B1 en el de 10-12 años. En conclusión, los escolares presentan un peso adecuado en relación a su talla y edad probablemente debido a la alimentación aportada por las ayudas estatales alimentarias. Sin embargo al haber un escaso consumo de frutas, verduras y hortalizas,se refleja un riesgo nutricional de algunas vitaminas y minerales, mayor en el grupo de 10-12 años de más elevados requerimientosnutricionales(AU)
An insufficient intake contributes to child malnutrition, a common public health problem in some Latin America areas. Our objective is to assess the anthropometric development, the food consumption, the nutritional intake and its school children adequacy, according to age and gender, in anextremely poor rural area in the Peruvian Andes where governmental food assistance programs were given. Descriptive study based on 171 school children about 8,9±1,67years, 51,5% males. Anthropometrics characteristics are valuated through IBM/age Z-Score. Food consumption is assessed by semi structured interview frequency of food consumption anda 24-hour diet recall method. The nutritional intake is estimated with the Peruvian and French food composition tables. The adequacy nutritional intake is calculated by the inadequate intake probability (IIP). Evidences are about 4,7% of thinness, 8,8% overweight and 0,6% obesity. The food consumption and the nutritional intake are similar among gender and age groups (6-9 years old and 10-12 years old). There is an acceptable macronutrients distribution range. The IIP energy and most nutrients are significantly greater in the 10-12 group than in the 6-9 group. A deficient intake of vitamin A, D, C, B3, folate is observed in both groups and in Calcium, iron, vitamin E and B1 in the 10-12 group. In conclusion, students have an adequate weight for their height and age, maybe due to the state program of food aid. Nevertheless, there remains weak consumption of fruit and vegetables that is reflected in the nutritional risk of some vitamins and minerals, which is higher in the 10-12 years old group due their greater nutritional requirements(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Criança , Pobreza , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Estado Nutricional , Crescimento e Desenvolvimento , População Rural , Alimentos, Dieta e NutriçãoRESUMO
La desnutrición ha cobrado la vida de un importante número de niños y niñas de la etnia wayuu que habitan en el departamento de La Guajira en Colombia. Esa situación existe y persiste sin que los decisores o la sociedad civil tomen acciones que reviertan el problema, mostrando total indiferencia y falta de solidaridad. En el país en general y en La Guajira en particular, es evidente la vulneración de los derechos de los niños y las niñas, como sujetos que se construyen en el presente y cuyo futuro no puede ser preparado sin su participación, el apoyo de sus familias, sus comunidades y las organizaciones civiles e instituciones del Estado. Es importante la solidaridad de la sociedad, puesto que los indígenas requieren respuestas, teniendo en cuenta las consideraciones éticas para su atención. Quienes solicitan se hagan efectivos los derechos que tanto se proclaman por distintos medios y que se han convertido sólo en sueños, puesto que la realidad es otra (AU).
Malnutrition has claimed the lives of a great quantity of children of the Wayuu ethnicity, who live in La Guajira department, in Colombia. This situation has existed for a long time without the action of the decision makers or the social society to solve the problem, showing total indifference and lack of solidarity. In the country in general and particularly in La Guajira, it is evident the violation of the rights of the children as subjects that are in the formation process at that moment of their lives, and whose future could not be granted without their participation and the support of their families, their communities, the civilian organizations and the State institutions. It is important the society's solidarity, because native people require answers and attention, taking into account ethical consideration. There are many people asking for making effective the rights that are so widely proclaimed by different means and have become just dreams, because they are another thing in real life (AU).
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Criança , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/epidemiologia , Análise Ética/métodos , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/diagnóstico , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/etnologia , Defesa da Criança e do Adolescente/legislação & jurisprudência , Defesa da Criança e do Adolescente/normas , Defesa da Criança e do Adolescente/ética , Violação de Direitos Humanos/etnologia , Violação de Direitos Humanos/prevenção & controle , Estratégias de eSaúde , Sociedade CivilRESUMO
The "Simioto'sDisease" is a disease that has popular legitimacy and influences the search for treatment for infant health problems. This study aimed to understand the health practices related to Simioto'sDisease in a city in the interior of Brazil, from the perspective of parents of treated children. This is a qualitative and descriptive study performed by obtaining data using a semi-structured questionnaire with parents of children who were diagnosed and treated for the Simioto'sDisease. The data were subjected to content analysis. The categories discussedwere: The Simioto'sDisease pathology and its cultural aspects: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and its indications and effectiveness; Relationship between Simioto'sDisease and professionalhealth care; The profile of healers or informal care and religiosity in the care of Simioto'sDisease. It was concluded that diagnosis and treatment are practices based on symptoms that generate a popular diagnosis. By describing the parent perspective, this practice is based on the belief of the treatmentefficacy and is legitimized by the healer reception, guidelines and precautionary measures of the disease that are passed, among other care, in addition to the baths performing frequency.
O "Mal de Simioto" é uma doença que possui legitimidade popular e queinfluencia a busca por tratamento para problemas de saúde infantil. Objetivou-se compreender as práticas de saúde relacionadas ao Mal de Simioto em um município no interior do Brasil, na perspectiva dos pais das crianças tratadas. Estudo qualitativo, descritivo, realizado através da obtenção de dados com o uso de questionário semiestruturado com os pais de crianças que foram diagnosticadas e tratadas com o Mal de Simioto. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo.As categorias discutidas foram: A patologia Mal de Simioto e seus aspectos culturais: os sintomas, o diagnóstico, o tratamento e sua indicação e eficácia; Relação entre Mal de Simioto e os cuidados profissionais de saúde;Operfil dos curandeiros ou cuidadores informais e a religiosidade no cuidado ao Mal de Simioto. Concluiu-se queo diagnóstico e o tratamento são práticas baseadas em sintomas que geram um diagnóstico popular. Através da descrição pela perspectiva dos pais, essa práticabaseia-se na crença da eficácia do tratamento e é legitimada pelo acolhimento do curandeiro,das orientações e medidas de precaução da doença que são repassadas, entre outros cuidados, além da periodicidade de realização dos banhos.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Desnutrição Proteico-Calórica , Saúde do Lactente , Plantas Medicinais/parasitologia , Banhos/enfermagem , Pessoal de Saúde , Cultura , Cultura Popular , Medicina Tradicional/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Modéer T. et al. (2011) afirman que en las poblaciones de adolescentes obesos existe asociación entre reducción de tasa de flujo salival y caries. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el estado nutricional, la tasa de flujo salival y el riesgo de caries en preescolares. Se estudiaron 60 niños de 3 a 6 años de edad, que concurrían a Jardines de Infantes del conurbano de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. En este grupo de niños se midió el peso corporal y la talla. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal y se categorizó antropométricamente a la población según OMS 2007. (Programa WHO Anthro). Se determinó el riesgo de caries. La saliva se recolectó en frascos estériles, graduados, de boca ancha sin estimulación y sin restricciones alimentarias. Se determinó la tasa de flujo salival (TFS). El análisis estadísticos e realizó con el Test de Pearson. Presentaron caries el 56.7 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 37.7-74.0) de los niños adecuados (Ad) antropométricamente y el 37.0 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 20.1-57.5) de los niños con sobrepeso y obesidad (SP/O). El odds ratio para caries (OR=3.78; IC95 por ciento: 1.211.8, p=0.02) fue casi 4 veces mayor en los niños Ad, comparados con los SP/O. La TFS fue 0.534 ± 0.318 ml/min en Ad y 0.439 ± 0.234 ml/min en SP/O. El test de Pearson no evidenció correlación entre la TFS y el estado nutricional (r=0.004592, p=0.5977). A pesar que los niños con sobrepeso y obesidad tienen menor presencia de caries no se encontró correlación entre el estado nutricional y tasa de flujo salival.
Modéer T. et al. (2011) afirman que en las poblaciones deadolescentes obesos existe asociación entre reducción de tasade flujo salival y caries. El objetivo del presente estudio fuedeterminar la asociación entre el estado nutricional, la tasa deflujo salival y el riesgo de caries en preescolares. Se estudiaron60 niños de 3 a 6 años de edad, que concurrían a Jardines deInfantes del conurbano de la ciudad de Buenos Aires,Argentina. En este grupo de niños se midió el peso corporal yla talla. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal y se categorizó antropométricamente a la población según OMS 2007. (Programa WHO Anthro). Se determinó el riesgo de caries. La saliva se recolectó en frascos estériles, graduados, de bocaancha sin estimulación y sin restricciones alimentarias. Se determinó la tasa de flujo salival (TFS). El análisis estadísticos e realizó con el Test de Pearson. Presentaron caries el 56.7% (IC95%: 37.7-74.0) de los niños adecuados (Ad) antropométricamente y el 37.0% (IC95%: 20.1-57.5) de los niños con sobrepeso y obesidad (SP/O). El odds ratio paracaries (OR=3.78; IC95%: 1.211.8, p=0.02) fue casi 4 veces mayor en los niños Ad, comparados con los SP/O. La TFS fue 0.534 ± 0.318 ml/min en Ad y 0.439 ± 0.234 ml/min en SP/O.El test de Pearson no evidenció correlación entre la TFS y el estado nutricional (r=0.004592, p=0.5977). A pesar que los niños con sobrepeso y obesidad tienen menor presencia de caries no se encontró correlación entre el estado nutricional y tasa de flujo salival.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pré-Escolar , Cárie Dentária/diagnóstico , Cárie Dentária/epidemiologia , Suscetibilidade à Cárie Dentária , Salivação/fisiologia , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Distribuição por Idade e Sexo , Argentina , Peso Corporal , Dieta Cariogênica , Epidemiologia Descritiva , Obesidade/complicações , Fatores de Risco , Serviços de Odontologia Escolar , Interpretação Estatística de DadosRESUMO
Objetivo Caracterizar e comparar o desempenho de crianças com desnutrição e crianças eutróficas nas habilidades do processamento auditivo. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 30 crianças na faixa etária de 5 a 10 anos, de ambos os gêneros, sendo 15 crianças com desnutrição, que compuseram o grupo amostral (G1) e 15 crianças com estado nutricional adequado, como grupo controle (G2). Os grupos foram pareados segundo gênero, faixa etária e escolaridade. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos à avaliação auditiva periférica e central. Resultados As crianças desnutridas apresentaram maior índice de alterações na habilidade de sequencialização sonora para sons verbais e não verbais, quando comparadas com as crianças eutróficas. O mesmo ocorreu nas habilidades de fechamento e figura fundo. Quanto ao grau do distúrbio do processamento auditivo, houve maior severidade nas crianças desnutridas. Conclusão Crianças com desnutrição apresentaram maior frequência de alterações nas habilidades auditivas, quando comparadas a crianças eutróficas, sendo as habilidades de ordenação temporal, memória auditiva, atenção seletiva, figura fundo e fechamento, as habilidades mais afetadas. .
Purpose To characterize and compare the performance of malnourished children and normal children in auditory processing. Methods The sample comprised 30 children from five to ten years old, both genders, being 15 malnourished children (G1) and 15 children with adequate nutritional status, as a control group (G2). The groups were paired according to gender, age and grade level. Both groups underwent peripheral and central auditory assessment, noting that malnourished children had higher changes in the skill of sequencing score for verbal and nonverbal when compared to normal children, and the same occurred in closing skills and background figure. Results Regarding the degree of auditory processing disorder, it was more severe in malnourished children. Conclusion Children with malnutrition have higher frequency alterations in auditory abilities when compared to normal children, being the temporal ordering skills, auditory memory, selective attention, figure-ground and closing the most affected skills. .
Assuntos
Humanos , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Transtornos da Percepção Auditiva , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/complicações , Desnutrição Aguda Grave/complicações , Sistema Nervoso Central , Eletroencefalografia , Eletrofisiologia , Potenciais Evocados Auditivos , Transtornos da Audição , Neuroimagem , NeurorradiografiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the association between preoperative nutritional status and postoperative outcomes in children undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects (CHD). METHODS: Seventy-one patients with CHD were enrolled in a prospective, 2-center cohort study. We adjusted for baseline risk differences using a standardized risk adjustment score for surgery for CHD. We assigned a World Health Organization z score for each subject's preoperative triceps skin-fold measurement, an assessment of total body fat mass. We obtained preoperative plasma concentrations of markers of nutritional status (prealbumin, albumin) and myocardial stress (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]). Associations between indices of preoperative nutritional status and clinical outcomes were sought. RESULTS: Subjects had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 10.2 (33) months. In the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) cohort, duration of mechanical ventilation (median, 19 hours; IQR, 29 hours), length of intensive care unit stay (median, 5 days; IQR 5 days), duration of any continuous inotropic infusion (median, 66 hours; IQR 72 hours), and preoperative BNP levels (median, 30 pg/mL; IQR, 75 pg/mL) were associated with a lower preoperative triceps skin-fold z score (P < .05). Longer duration of any continuous inotropic infusion and higher preoperative BNP levels were also associated with lower preoperative prealbumin (12.1 ± 0.5 mg/dL) and albumin (3.2 ± 0.1; P < .05) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Lower total body fat mass and acute and chronic malnourishment are associated with worse clinical outcomes in children undergoing surgery for CHD at UCSF, a resource-abundant institution. There is an inverse correlation between total body fat mass and BNP levels. Duration of inotropic support and BNP increase concomitantly as measures of nutritional status decrease, supporting the hypothesis that malnourishment is associated with decreased myocardial function.