EXPERIENCE WITH
CHILDHOOD MALNUTRITION IN GOVERNMENT REFERAL HOSPITALS
Singano GE
Lilongwe Central
Hospital, P O Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
Objectives: To discuss the
experience and management of malnourished children admitted at Lilongwe
Central Hospital.
Methods: The records of patient
admitted to the malnutrition ward over a period of one year (2000) were
determined and their management was compared to the recommended treatment.
Results: The majority of patients
were given two hourly phase I and II feeds (between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.)
supplemented by ORS, standard treatment with Cotrimoxazole, Kcl, Vitamin A
and Albendazole will be discussed.
Conclusion: The most common cause
of malnutrition (both kwashiorkor and marasmus) was poverty complicated by
lack of knowledge of good nutritional practices. Inadequate management of
the patient was largely due to inadequate staff and shortage of
medications.