Amr Elsayed Kandil
Alexandria Pediatric Center & Gleem Pediatric Center, Alexandria, Egypt
Title: Pediatric Malnutrition
Biography
Biography: Amr Elsayed Kandil
Abstract
Pediatric malnutrition means the intake of calories and/or nutrients more or less than the requirements of the body. It is clinically presented in two main categories which are over-nutrition and under-nutrition. Overnutrition means the intake of calories more than the body needs. It leads to overweight and obesity which, if left untreated, may cause overweight-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Full medical, family and dietary history should be taken. Investigations should be done. Referral to a specialist to treat any underlying disease, Guide the parents to make their child adapts healthy options. Under-nutrition means the intake of calories and/or nutrients less than the body needs. It may cause failure to thrive which means failure to increase properly in weight and/or height. Failure to thrive includes three types which are organic, non-organic and mixed. Organic type is due to any organic disease such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis. Non-organic type is due to wrong interactions between the caregiver and the child such as misinterpretation of hunger and satiety cues. Mixed type has both organic and non-organic elements. Failure to thrive can be diagnosed by taking full medical history, investigations for any possible organic disease and/or drug involved. Detailed dietary history should be taken. Physical examination for any signs of malnutrition, Measuring weight and height and plotting them on growth charts. Failure to thrive can be treated by treating any involved disease and making a referral if needed. Guide the parents towards the wrong behaviour, if any, and how to correct it. Any child who is malnourished or at risk should be promptly referred to a Pediatric nutrition specialist