Detection of Malnutrition in Older Infants by Measurement of Mid arm Circumference

  • Dr Jayashree Nadkarni MD, Associate Professor, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Kamla Nehru Hospital, Bhopal (M.P), India 462016
  • Dr Utkarsh Sharma MBBS Intern, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Kamla Nehru Hospital, Bhopal (M.P), India 462016
  • Dr Ravindra Bagde Resident for DCH, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Kamla Nehru Hospital, Bhopal (M.P), India 462016
  • Dr Rashmi Dwivedi MD, Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Kamla Nehru Hospital, Bhopal (M.P), India 462016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17511/ijmrr.2013.i04.03
Keywords: MAC, PEM, infants

Abstract

Introduction- Mid-arm circumference (MAC) has been widely used as an age-independent indicator of undernutrition at 1-5 years of age. Its role below one year of age has not been extensively studied. Growth faltering which predicts protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) usually begins between ages 6 and 12 month. This study aimed to determine the age-independent character of MAC within 7-11 month age group and search for a reliable cut off point.

Methods- This institutional based, cross-sectional, observational study was done at three government hospitals including a teaching tertiary level hospital. Study variables were age, sex, height, body weight & mid arm circumference. Mid arm circumference was validated against weight for age percentage and Standard deviation score.

Results- Mean MAC of the infants increased very little with age from 7-11months. The cut off points from 13.0 to 12.5 cm showed maximum diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions- MAC measurement is a simple and valid tool for detection of early PEM in this crucial age bracket However, further studies are suggested, preferably community based and in a larger sample to establish the validity of MAC to detect PEM in infants.

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CITATION
DOI: 10.17511/ijmrr.2013.i04.03
Published: 2013-10-31
How to Cite
1.
Nadkarni J, Sharma U, Bagde R, Dwivedi R. Detection of Malnutrition in Older Infants by Measurement of Mid arm Circumference. Int J Med Res Rev [Internet]. 2013Oct.31 [cited 2024Nov.8];1(4):156-61. Available from: https://ijmrr.medresearch.in/index.php/ijmrr/article/view/27
Issue
Vol 1 No 4 (2013): Sep-Oct
Section
Original Article