Ready to use therapeutic food (RUTF) for outpatient-based nutritional rehabilitation of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months.

Abstract

Background:Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects nearly 20 million preschool-age children. Malnutrition is a risk factor in approximately one third of deaths in children who are under 5 years of age worldwide. In-hospital rehabilitation of children with SAM is not always desirable or practical , and home-based care can offer a better solution. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a widely used option for home-based rehabilitation in children without medical complications and with good appetite. Aim of the Study: To assess the effectiveness of standard RUTF (plumpy nut) in outpatient management of SAM in children aged 6-59 months without medical complications and with good appetite. Type of the study:Cohort, prospective interventional study.Patients & Methods: A cohort prospective interventional study was carried out among children ages 6-59 months with SAM who were referred to nutritional rehabilitation ward in two hospitals in Baghdad , a Central Teaching Hospital for Pediatrics in Al-kurkh district and Fatima Al-Zahraa hospital for Obstetrics & Pediatrics in Al- Russafa district in an attempt to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of standard RUTF in outpatient management .