Current Issue

1. Severity Extent Of Wasting Among Children Admitted To Therapeutic Feeding Program. A Case Control Study

   The extent of wasting among children admitted to a therapeutic feeding program

   Aida H. Al-Sadeeq, Rozina Khalid

   Abstract

   Introduction. Children with complicated Severe Acute Malnutrtion (SAM) admitted to Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC), and ‘uncomplicated’ SAM managed in Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP).

   Objective. This study aims to examine the anthropometric differences between SAM admitted to TFC and OTP.

   Methods. A hospital based case control study conducted in the Therapeutic Feeding Program (TFP) of Al-Sadaka General Teaching hospital, Aden, included complicated (cases) and uncomplicated (control) severely wasted 6-60 month old children admitted between July 2022 to June 2023. The WHO anthropometric calculator was used to assess every child’s weight-for-length/height SD and length/height for age SD.

   Results. A total of 313 cases and 122 controls were admitted, mean age, weight, length/height, and MUAC among the cases were (13.04±7.34 mo., 5.41±1.33 kg, 68.32±7.10 cm, and 10.57±1.36 cm) respectively; while among the controls were (20.05±12.93 mo., 7.05±1.74 kg, 76.89±10.46 cm, and 11.28±1.11 cm) respectively. Severe wasting by WFL/H < - 3SD z- score seen more among the controls; cases vs controls were (37.0% vs 68.9%). Howevere, the other groups of severity of WFL/H z-score were seen with nearly douple frequencies among the case vs the controls (35.8% vs 18.8% < - 4SD), (14.7 vs 7.4% < - 5SD). Less than – 6SD was seen much more among the cases vs the controls (8.6% vs 1.6%). Less than – 7 SD among the cases was 1.3% and no children belong to this group in the controls.. The majority of the cases belonged to the age group 6-24 months.

   Conclusion. Children a dmitted to TFC had severe wasting reaching up to < - 6 and < - 7 SD below the WHO cut-off, WFL/H < - 3SD z-score, and at an early age, with simultaneous presence of severe stunting and low MUAC which denotes high mortality risk.

   Research article 11 March 2024 Pages 1–8 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-24-4984 Full text · PDF
2. Internal Jugular Phlebectasia; A Challenging Neck Mass in Children

   Internal jugular phlebectasia, and the difficulty of recognizing a neck mass in children

   Gihad Alsaeed, Ali Alsaeed, Mohamad Hasan Aljindi, Mohamed Alsaeed

   Abstract

   Cystic neck masses are uncommon in children, and a minority of them are soft. Internal jugular vein phlebectasia (IJVP) is a rare cause of soft neck cysts. It presents usually as a unilateral soft neck mass of changing size. In most cases it is unilateral, right sided and predominantly in males. Imaging study modalities are diagnostic and helpful for observation and follow up. In the vast majority of cases, it decreases in size with time requiring only conservative treatment. However, surgery might be necessary in large or complicated phlebectasia. IJVP is underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed especially in pediatrics, with few cases documented in medical literature. To improve awareness of presentation and management-plan of this rare case, the authors present an extremely rare case of huge left internal jugular phlebectasia in a 14 year-old boy worsened and complicated over years of wait and see approach that needed surgical treatment.

   Research article 26 October 2024 Pages 9–16 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-24-5310 Full text · PDF
3. Factors Impacting Nutritional Status in Infants with Single Ventricle Physiology

   Nutritional status in infants with single ventricle physiology

   Mark Gormley, Emily Behling, Rebecca Frees, Kavisha Shah, Stacie Knutson, Nathan Rodgers, Melissa S. Engel, Shanti Narasimhan

   Abstract

   Infants with single ventricle (SV) physiology are at increased risk of undernutrition, which can contribute to adverse outcomes. This is a retrospective case series examining factors associated with undernutrition in patients with SV physiology at one year of age. It includes 56 infants from a single institution who underwent SV palliation between 2003 and 2023. Undernutrition was defined as a weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) below -1, based on World Health Organization (WHO) normative data. Independent variables included surgical interventions, cardiorespiratory factors, and nutritional interventions. Associations between these variables and nutritional status were assessed using Fisher’s exact test. At one year, a total of nine infants (16%) were undernourished. Undernutrition rates significantly declined after 2013 (p=0.02), demonstrating improvements in nutritional outcomes over our study period. Those who used supplemental oxygen or pulmonary medications were undernourished at lower rates. While this difference was not statistically significant, the number of undernourished patients in the cohort may have limited the study’s power. Our findings suggest that early respiratory interventions may provide nutritional benefits in infants with SV physiology.

   Research article 22 December 2025 Pages 17–29 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-25-5577 Full text · PDF
4. Contributory Factors to Malnutrition in Children under Five Years Received in Consultation at the Pediatric Service of Saint Martin of Papane Hospital in Northeast Benin

   Contributory factors to malnutrition in children under five at a hospital pediatric service in northeast Benin

   Behanzin Gbessohele Justin, Bio Bouko Boni Orou Marius, Chabi Christophe, Bayangbe Diloua, Okouidjo Ange, Yessoufou Abdou Ganiou

   Abstract

   Malnutrition is a major global public health issue, especially in low-income regions. Identifying contributing factors is crucial for effective interventions. This study aims to determine the factors contributing to malnutrition among children under 5 years old at Papané Hospital in northeast Benin from April 6 to July 6, 2021. A descriptive and analytical study was conducted, involving structured questionnaires administered to 208 children aged 0 to 59 months and their parents or guardians. The study focused on socioeconomic characteristics and feeding practices. Predominantly male children (sex ratio 1.2) and mostly uneducated homemaker mothers were involved. Data were processed using Excel, WHO Anthro, and SPSS software. Statistical significance was assessed with SPSS, using a margin of error of 0.05. Results showed that 74.88% of the children experienced stunted growth, 90.34% suffered from wasting, and 79.43% were underweight. Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly linked to lower rates of severe malnutrition (p = 0.0075). Gradual weaning was associated with better nutritional outcomes compared to abrupt weaning (p = 0.000). Higher malnutrition rates were found among children of single mothers (36.06%) and those from polygamous households (49.52%). Maternal education level did not significantly affect children's nutritional status (p = 0.53). Breastfeeding practices and household dynamics are essential for improving the nutritional status of children under five. A multidimensional approach is needed to address the complex factors contributing to malnutrition.

   Research article 6 August 2026 Pages 30–42 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-26-6038 Full text · PDF

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