Proceedings of the WHO, UNICEF, and SCN Informal Consultation on Community-Based Management of Severe Malnutrition in Children

Efficacy and safety of therapeutic nutrition products for home based therapeutic nutrition for severe acute malnutrition: A systematic review

“…Two consensus statements (20,21) were identified from published literature. Both the statements emphasized the need to treat uncomplicated severely malnourished children at home, and on the efficacy of therapeutic nutrition products like RUTF for this purpose.…”

Studying the effectiveness of mixed models of community based and institutional based interventions for management of severe acute malnourished children

“…15 Because of the high burden of SAM seen in India, the current strategy of inpatient treatment programs alone is unlikely to provide care for all of these SAM children at higher risk of death. A 2012 study of 93 children treated in the state of Madhya Pradesh concluded that, although the compulsory 14-days inpatient stay succeeded in improving the condition of admitted children, the improvement was not sustained after discharge.…”

Management of severe acute malnutrition

“…If weight gain is poor, the patient would benefit from a full nutritional assessment; otherwise an alternative diagnosis should be considered. [4,8,15,17,26] Provide sensory stimulation, emotional support and follow-up after recovery In severe malnutrition, there is delayed mental and behavioural development. A cheerful and stimulating environment should be provided for the patient, with provision of structured play therapy for 30 minutes per day as soon as the child is well enough to be active.…”

“…2). [2,3,8,9,[15][16][17][18] The beneficial principles for inpatient management of acute malnutrition can be divided into two phases, i.e. the initial stabilisation phase (usually in the first week, when acute complications are managed) and a much longer rehabilitation phase (Table 1).…”