Nutritional profile and factors associaed with low body weight and reduction of food intake in hospitalized children

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.201640016172

Abstract

The evaluation of nutritional status in hospitalized children plays a critical role in the early identification of nutritional
risk. Thus, it is of great importance to identify variables that have an impact on nutritional status and acceptance of food
in the hospital environment. The objective of this work to evaluate the nutritional status of hospitalized children, the
variables that influence the nutritional diagnosis and food intake during hospitalization. Nutritional status was evaluated
by measurement of weight, length / height, body mass index and anthropometric indices. The biochemical evaluation
was performed based on the information available in the medical record. Socioeconomic, dietary and breastfeeding
data and, evaluation of the acceptance of meals offered were obtained through a questionnaire to the responsable for
the children. The study included 208 children, predominantly male (61.5%) and median age of 21.5 (6-59) months. In
relation to nutritional status, 80% of children were classified eutrophic, 10% were thinness and 10% overweight. Children
with low weight had more cases of lymphocytopenia (p = 0.038) and were also those who had shorter time of exclusive
breastfeeding (p = 0.015). Children with elevated concentrations of PCR and leukocytes showed low acceptance of the
offered diet (p = 0.034 and p = 0.040, respectively). Factors associated with low weight and lower acceptance of meals
by children were identified. Particular attention should be given to children with altered inflammatory status and shorter
time of exclusive breastfeeding.