Study of clinical profile of vitamin-a deficiency in malnourished children visiting a medical college hospital
Journal Title: Pediatric Review: International Journal of Pediatric Research - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 5
Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) disorders exist as a public health nutrition problem among preschool-aged children in 118 developing countries worldwide, with the South-East Asian Region harboring the maximum number of cases. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 100 children with protein energy malnutrition. Clinical assessment was done by noting the symptoms and ophthalmic signs of vitamin A deficiency in both eyes and classified according to W.H.O. classification. Results: Majority of the children were below 6 years of age (82%). Pre-school children were affected the most (84.7%). In this study 76% of the children had one or other infections. 52% had infections like respiratory infections (20%), diarrhea (19%), measles (10%) and urinary tract infections (3%). Children with acute infections were found to have severe form of Vitamin A deficiency more often (28.8%). Out of 100 children 17% were grade –I, 23% were grade-II, 32% were grade-III and 28% were grade IV malnourished according to IAP classification. Conjunctival xerosis was the most common sign (45.83%) of all Vitamin A deficiency cases followed by Bitot spots were seen in 30.55% of cases. Conclusion: Supplementation of the vitamin A rich food to the at risk mothers and children, proper weaning practices, eliminations of infections by immunization, implementation of various nutritional programs and regular deworming will go a long way in prevention of Vitamin A deficiency in children.
Authors and Affiliations
Anandakumar T S, Kumar G V, Viswanathakumar H
Physical activity, sedentary behaviours and eating habits among school children in kerala
Background: World Health Organization refers obesity as a global epidemic including children and adults. Low levels of physical activity, TV watching, and unhealthy food habits are risk factors for overweight and obesity...
Bacteriological spectrum and immediate outcome of neonatal sepsis in tertiary care centre in South India
Introduction: Neonatal septicemia is diagnosed when generalized systemic features of sepsis are associated with pure growth of bacteria from one or more sites. It refers to systemic infection of neonates including Septic...
Psychological distress in mothers of infants admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Introduction: Mothers whose infants are admitted to NICU undergo significant distress which can interfere with mother infant bonding. Materials & Methods: Mothers belonging to two groups: Group 1 –(clinical) 30 mothers o...
Anemia in children: Major Public health Issue
Anemia in children is most prevalent morbidity along with malnutrition. Anemia not only reduces work capacity of a child but it also affects cognitive function.
Study on clinical and hematological profile of Anemia in children aged 5 t0 12 years in rural Telangana
Introduction: Anemia is a major global health problem, especially in developing countries like India, despite the fact that this problem is largely preventable & easily treatable. Aim: The aim is to study the clinical an...