Effects of Infection in Severely Malnourished Children in Kilifi-Mombasa and Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania). A Comparative Study

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of infections on severely malnourished children. The study design used was a descriptive, cross sectional hospital-based study. Results show that there is little difference in the prevalence of severe malnutrition between the two hospitals.55% of all malnourished children were boys. Non-oedematous Protein Energy malnutrition was more prevalent at Muhimbili National Hospital than at Kili District Hospital. More than 75% of all severe Protein Energy Malnutrition patients were below two years of age, 36% of all severe Protein Energy Malnutrition patients admitted also had malaria, 45% of all admitted patients with severe Protein Energy Malnutrition at Kili District Hospital also had diarrhoea. More than 25% of severely malnourished patients died, oedematous type having a higher case fatality rate than non-oedematous one. 86% of the patients who died at MNH had other co-morbidities.