Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 September 2; Volume 70 (Issue 4); 437-444.; DOI:10.1038/ejcn.2015.140
Burza S, Mahajan R, Marino E, Sunyoto T, Shandilya C, et al.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 September 2; Volume 70 (Issue 4); 437-444.; DOI:10.1038/ejcn.2015.140
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
Children aged 6 months to 5 years completing treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in a Médecins Sans Frontières Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in Bihar, India, showed high cure rates; however, the program suffered default rates of 38%. This report describes the nutritional status of 1956 children followed up between 3 and 18 months after exiting the program.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
All children aged 6-59 months discharged as cured with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ⩾120 mm or who defaulted from the program with MUAC <115 mm were traced at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months (±10 days) before three exit reference dates: first at the end of the food insecure period, second after the 2-month food security and third after the 4-month food security.
RESULTS
Overall, 68.7% (n=692) of defaulters and 76.2% (n=1264) of children discharged as cured were traced. Combined rates of non-recovery in children who defaulted with MUAC <115 mm were 41%, 30.1%, 9.9%, 6.1% and 3.6% at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following exit, respectively. Combined rates of relapse among cured cases (MUAC ⩾120 mm) were 9.1%, 2.9%, 2.1%, 2.8% and 0% at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following discharge, respectively. Prevalence of undernutrition increased substantially for both groups traced during low food security periods. Odds of death were much higher for children defaulting with MUAC <110 mm when compared with children discharged as cured, who shared the same mortality risk as those defaulting with MUAC 110-<115 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
Seasonal food security predicted short-term nutritional status after exit, with relapse rates and non-recovery from SAM much higher during food insecurity. Mortality outcomes suggest that a MUAC of 110 mm may be considered an appropriate admission point for SAM treatment programs in this context.
Children aged 6 months to 5 years completing treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in a Médecins Sans Frontières Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in Bihar, India, showed high cure rates; however, the program suffered default rates of 38%. This report describes the nutritional status of 1956 children followed up between 3 and 18 months after exiting the program.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
All children aged 6-59 months discharged as cured with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) ⩾120 mm or who defaulted from the program with MUAC <115 mm were traced at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months (±10 days) before three exit reference dates: first at the end of the food insecure period, second after the 2-month food security and third after the 4-month food security.
RESULTS
Overall, 68.7% (n=692) of defaulters and 76.2% (n=1264) of children discharged as cured were traced. Combined rates of non-recovery in children who defaulted with MUAC <115 mm were 41%, 30.1%, 9.9%, 6.1% and 3.6% at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following exit, respectively. Combined rates of relapse among cured cases (MUAC ⩾120 mm) were 9.1%, 2.9%, 2.1%, 2.8% and 0% at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following discharge, respectively. Prevalence of undernutrition increased substantially for both groups traced during low food security periods. Odds of death were much higher for children defaulting with MUAC <110 mm when compared with children discharged as cured, who shared the same mortality risk as those defaulting with MUAC 110-<115 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
Seasonal food security predicted short-term nutritional status after exit, with relapse rates and non-recovery from SAM much higher during food insecurity. Mortality outcomes suggest that a MUAC of 110 mm may be considered an appropriate admission point for SAM treatment programs in this context.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Front Nutr. 2023 October 23; Volume 10; 1259706.; DOI:10.3389/fnut.2023.1259706
Pedrero-Tomé R, Marrodán MD, López-Ejeda N, Escruela M, Rocaspana M, et al.
Front Nutr. 2023 October 23; Volume 10; 1259706.; DOI:10.3389/fnut.2023.1259706
BACKGROUND
Niger, relevant in light of current political coup, is one of the countries with the worst human development indicators, characterized by high fertility rates and extremely high infant mortality rates. Food insecurity in the region is alarming, leading to high malnutrition rates in children. This study aimed to evaluate an integral preventive-curative health program targeting children aged under 2 years in the health area of Tama, district of Bouza, Tahoua.
METHODOLOGY
Anthropometric follow-up data of 6,962 children aged under 2 years were included in this study. These children received complete vaccination and malaria chemoprevention, and those older than 6 months received nutritional supplementation with a small quantity of lipid-based nutrient supplements. Fundamental growth indicators (height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age, and middle-upper arm circumference) and the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure were calculated at the beginning and end of the program (mean time spent in the program: 14.5 ± 6.6 months) The evolution of these indicators was compared with those of a sample from a vertical vaccination program conducted in the neighboring region of Madarounfa on similar dates.
RESULTS
The proportion of children without anthropometric failure decreased from 59.5 to 40.2% (p < 0.001), with the categories that included stunting increasing the most. When analyzing the anthropometric indicators according to the months of compliance with the program, there was a slight improvement in the indicators of acute malnutrition, whereas those of chronic malnutrition worsened significantly. However, when compared with the Madarounfa sample, the children in the present study registered a significantly lower worsening in all three indicators: height-age (−0.46 vs. -2.44; p < 0.001), weight-height (+0.31 vs. -0.55; p < 0.001) and weight-age (−0.03 vs. -1.63; p < 0.001) difference.
CONCLUSION
The comprehensive preventive-curative health program slightly slows the worsening of cumulative malnutrition in the early years of life in complex contexts, such as southern Niger.
Niger, relevant in light of current political coup, is one of the countries with the worst human development indicators, characterized by high fertility rates and extremely high infant mortality rates. Food insecurity in the region is alarming, leading to high malnutrition rates in children. This study aimed to evaluate an integral preventive-curative health program targeting children aged under 2 years in the health area of Tama, district of Bouza, Tahoua.
METHODOLOGY
Anthropometric follow-up data of 6,962 children aged under 2 years were included in this study. These children received complete vaccination and malaria chemoprevention, and those older than 6 months received nutritional supplementation with a small quantity of lipid-based nutrient supplements. Fundamental growth indicators (height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age, and middle-upper arm circumference) and the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure were calculated at the beginning and end of the program (mean time spent in the program: 14.5 ± 6.6 months) The evolution of these indicators was compared with those of a sample from a vertical vaccination program conducted in the neighboring region of Madarounfa on similar dates.
RESULTS
The proportion of children without anthropometric failure decreased from 59.5 to 40.2% (p < 0.001), with the categories that included stunting increasing the most. When analyzing the anthropometric indicators according to the months of compliance with the program, there was a slight improvement in the indicators of acute malnutrition, whereas those of chronic malnutrition worsened significantly. However, when compared with the Madarounfa sample, the children in the present study registered a significantly lower worsening in all three indicators: height-age (−0.46 vs. -2.44; p < 0.001), weight-height (+0.31 vs. -0.55; p < 0.001) and weight-age (−0.03 vs. -1.63; p < 0.001) difference.
CONCLUSION
The comprehensive preventive-curative health program slightly slows the worsening of cumulative malnutrition in the early years of life in complex contexts, such as southern Niger.
Conference Material > Poster
Pedrero-Tomé R, Marrodán MD, Lopez-Ejeda N, Escruela M, Rocaspana M, et al.
MSF Paediatric Days 2024. 2024 May 3; DOI:10.57740/yYVOy5ZE5k
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS Med. 2016 February 9; Volume 13 (Issue 2); DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001951
van der Kam S, Roll S, Swarthout TD, Edyegu-Otelu G, Matsumoto A, et al.
PLOS Med. 2016 February 9; Volume 13 (Issue 2); DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001951
Globally, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treats more than 300,000 severely malnourished children annually. Malnutrition is not only caused by lack of food and poor infant and child feeding practices but also by illnesses. Breaking the vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition by providing ill children with nutritional supplementation is a potentially powerful strategy for preventing malnutrition that has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, MSF investigated whether incidence of malnutrition among ill children <5 y old could be reduced by providing a fortified food product or micronutrients during their 2-wk convalescence period. Two trials, one in Nigeria and one in Uganda, were conducted; here we report on the trial that took place in Goronyo, a rural region of northwest Nigeria with high morbidity and malnutrition rates.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Malar J. 2023 November 10; Volume 22 (Issue 1); 345.; DOI:10.1186/s12936-023-04740-x
Molina-de la Fuente I, Sagrado Benito MJ, Lasry E, Ousley J, García L, et al.
Malar J. 2023 November 10; Volume 22 (Issue 1); 345.; DOI:10.1186/s12936-023-04740-x
BACKGROUND
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SP-AQ), is a community-based malaria preventive strategy commonly used in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. However, to date it has not been implemented in East Africa due to high SP resistance levels. This paper is a report on the implementation of SMC outside of the Sahel in an environment with a high level of presumed SP-resistance: five cycles of SMC using SPAQ were administered to children 3–59 months during a period of high malaria transmission (July–December 2019) in 21 villages in South Sudan.
METHODS
A population-based SMC coverage survey was combined with a longitudinal time series analysis of health facility and community health data measured after each SMC cycle. SMC campaign effectiveness was assessed by Poisson model. SPAQ molecular resistance markers were additionally analysed from dried blood spots from malaria confirmed patients.
RESULTS
Incidence of uncomplicated malaria was reduced from 6.6 per 100 to an average of 3.2 per 100 after SMC administration (mean reduction: 53%) and incidence of severe malaria showed a reduction from 21 per 10,000 before SMC campaign to a mean of 3.3 per 10,000 after each cycle (mean reduction: 84%) in the target group when compared to before the SMC campaign. The most prevalent molecular haplotype associated with SP resistance was the IRNGE haplotype (quintuple mutant, with 51I/59R/108N mutation in pfdhfr + 437G/540E in pfdhps). In contrast, there was a low frequency of AQ resistance markers and haplotypes resistant to both drugs combined (< 2%).
CONCLUSIONS
The SMC campaign was effective and could be used as an additional preventive tool in seasonal malaria settings outside of the Sahel, especially in areas where access to health care is unstable. Malaria case load reduction was observed despite the high level of resistance to SP.
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SP-AQ), is a community-based malaria preventive strategy commonly used in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. However, to date it has not been implemented in East Africa due to high SP resistance levels. This paper is a report on the implementation of SMC outside of the Sahel in an environment with a high level of presumed SP-resistance: five cycles of SMC using SPAQ were administered to children 3–59 months during a period of high malaria transmission (July–December 2019) in 21 villages in South Sudan.
METHODS
A population-based SMC coverage survey was combined with a longitudinal time series analysis of health facility and community health data measured after each SMC cycle. SMC campaign effectiveness was assessed by Poisson model. SPAQ molecular resistance markers were additionally analysed from dried blood spots from malaria confirmed patients.
RESULTS
Incidence of uncomplicated malaria was reduced from 6.6 per 100 to an average of 3.2 per 100 after SMC administration (mean reduction: 53%) and incidence of severe malaria showed a reduction from 21 per 10,000 before SMC campaign to a mean of 3.3 per 10,000 after each cycle (mean reduction: 84%) in the target group when compared to before the SMC campaign. The most prevalent molecular haplotype associated with SP resistance was the IRNGE haplotype (quintuple mutant, with 51I/59R/108N mutation in pfdhfr + 437G/540E in pfdhps). In contrast, there was a low frequency of AQ resistance markers and haplotypes resistant to both drugs combined (< 2%).
CONCLUSIONS
The SMC campaign was effective and could be used as an additional preventive tool in seasonal malaria settings outside of the Sahel, especially in areas where access to health care is unstable. Malaria case load reduction was observed despite the high level of resistance to SP.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Lancet. 2022 November 5; Volume 400 (Issue 10363); 1561-1563.; DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01991-2
Baxter LM, McGowan CR, Smiley S, Palacios L, Devine C, et al.
Lancet. 2022 November 5; Volume 400 (Issue 10363); 1561-1563.; DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01991-2
The climate emergency is a humanitarian and health crisis. Extreme weather events, heat stress, declining air quality, changes in water quality and quantity, declining food security and safety, and changes in vector distribution and ecology threaten all of us. As the planet heats, climate risks are increasingly complex, frequent, and unpredictable, compounding existing vulnerabilities and inequities within populations and causing emergencies that cascade across different systems and sectors. Humanitarian agencies are now seeing how these problems are putting millions of people across the world at immediate risk of famine and death.
Other > Journal Blog
Field Exch. 2017 March 6
Tapié de Céleyran F, Hanson KE, Ferreyra C, Salse NKS, Tshialala D, et al.
Field Exch. 2017 March 6
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2023 April 11; Volume 10 (Issue 1); 1-6.; DOI:10.24966/CMPH-1978/1000125
Temessadouno FW, Hiffler L, Gallo J, Gignoux EM, Domenichini C, et al.
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2023 April 11; Volume 10 (Issue 1); 1-6.; DOI:10.24966/CMPH-1978/1000125
CONTEXT
The Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) is a clinical monitoring tool used routinely in emergency and observation rooms to detect rapid deterioration in paediatric patients, allowing timely action. MSF has been using an adapted version of PEWS in all paediatric projects since 2013 and started using it in the Simao Mendes National Hospital (HNSM) in 2017. The PEWS has not been previously considered as a predictive tool for mortality risk. In this study, we evaluate whether the PEWS could be validated as a paediatric mortality risk score in our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) setting.
METHODS
This is an observational study with prospective data collection among children admitted to the HNSM PICU, assessing an adapted version of PEWS on admission, 24 hours after admission, and notification of the outcome of the hospitalization. Data analysis, using State 15.0, was conducted in three stages: description of participants, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis.
RESULTS
The main analysis showed that the greater the PEWS score, the higher the risk of death. However, only a PEWS score >7 was significantly associated with an increased risk of death, OR =5.9; 95% CI: 2.3 - 12.9, p < 0.001. In addition, having an underlying pathology increased the risk of death, OR=4.2; 95% CI: 1.3 - 13.2, p=0.015. Age was not significantly associated with increased risk of death, which may be due to the small sample size of patients less than one year old. A PEWS score greater than five, 24 hours after admission, indicated a significantly higher risk of death, OR=6.2; 95% CI: 2.8 - 13.6, p < 0.001.
CONCLUSION
Our evaluation of PEWS among children on admission to the PICU found that it could be a simple and useful predictive tool of mortality risk in low resource settings. It may allow better organization of the human resources, and improve the analysis of the mortality ratio, in a PICU. However, adequate follow-up and management of those classified as orange, yellow, or even green by the PEWS should be maintained as the PEWS would fail to identify a significant proportion of patients at risk of death.
The Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) is a clinical monitoring tool used routinely in emergency and observation rooms to detect rapid deterioration in paediatric patients, allowing timely action. MSF has been using an adapted version of PEWS in all paediatric projects since 2013 and started using it in the Simao Mendes National Hospital (HNSM) in 2017. The PEWS has not been previously considered as a predictive tool for mortality risk. In this study, we evaluate whether the PEWS could be validated as a paediatric mortality risk score in our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) setting.
METHODS
This is an observational study with prospective data collection among children admitted to the HNSM PICU, assessing an adapted version of PEWS on admission, 24 hours after admission, and notification of the outcome of the hospitalization. Data analysis, using State 15.0, was conducted in three stages: description of participants, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis.
RESULTS
The main analysis showed that the greater the PEWS score, the higher the risk of death. However, only a PEWS score >7 was significantly associated with an increased risk of death, OR =5.9; 95% CI: 2.3 - 12.9, p < 0.001. In addition, having an underlying pathology increased the risk of death, OR=4.2; 95% CI: 1.3 - 13.2, p=0.015. Age was not significantly associated with increased risk of death, which may be due to the small sample size of patients less than one year old. A PEWS score greater than five, 24 hours after admission, indicated a significantly higher risk of death, OR=6.2; 95% CI: 2.8 - 13.6, p < 0.001.
CONCLUSION
Our evaluation of PEWS among children on admission to the PICU found that it could be a simple and useful predictive tool of mortality risk in low resource settings. It may allow better organization of the human resources, and improve the analysis of the mortality ratio, in a PICU. However, adequate follow-up and management of those classified as orange, yellow, or even green by the PEWS should be maintained as the PEWS would fail to identify a significant proportion of patients at risk of death.
Journal Article > Short ReportFull Text
Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 January 1; Volume 29 (Issue 1); 154-159.; DOI:10.3201/eid2901.220775
Molina-de la Fuente I, Benito MJS, Flevaud L, Ousley J, Pasquale HA, et al.
Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 January 1; Volume 29 (Issue 1); 154-159.; DOI:10.3201/eid2901.220775
Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions threaten the use of Plasmodium falciparum malaria rapid diagnostic tests globally. In South Sudan, deletion frequencies were 15.6% for pfhrp2, 20.0% for pfhrp3, and 7.5% for double deletions. Deletions were approximately twice as prevalent in monoclonal infections than in polyclonal infections.