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Journal Article > Research

Impact of the shift from NCHS growth reference to WHO(2006) growth standards in a therapeutic feeding programme in Niger

Minetti A, Shams Eldin M, Defourny I, Harczi G
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To describe the implementation of the WHO(2006) growth standards in a therapeutic feeding programme.

METHODS
Using programme monitoring data from 21,769 children 6-59 months admitted to the Médecins Sans Frontières therapeutic feeding programme during 2007, we compared characteristics at admission, type of care and outcomes for children admitted before and after the shift to the WHO(2006) standards. Admission criteria were bipedal oedema, MUAC <110 mm, or weight-for-height (WFH) of <-70% of the median (NCHS) before mid-May 2007, and WFH <-3 z score (WHO(2006)) after mid-May 2007.

RESULTS
Children admitted with the WHO(2006) standards were more likely to be younger, with a higher proportion of males, and less malnourished (mean WFH -3.6 z score vs. mean WFH -4.6 z score). They were less likely to require hospitalization or intensive care (28.4%vs. 77%; 12.8%vs. 36.5%) and more likely to be treated exclusively on an outpatient basis (71.6%vs. 23%). Finally, they experienced better outcomes (cure rate: 89%vs. 71.7%, death rate: 2.7%vs. 6.4%, default rate: 6.7%vs. 12.3%).

CONCLUSIONS
In this programme, the WHO(2006) standards identify a larger number of malnourished children at an earlier stage of disease facilitating their treatment success.
Countries
Niger
Subject Area
pediatricsmalnutrition
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02366.x
Published Date
14-Sep-2009
PubMed ID
19772546
Languages
English
Journal
Tropical Medicine and International Health
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 14, Issue 10, Pages 1210-1214
Issue Date
14-Sep-2009
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