Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jonathan P. Sturgeon, James M. Njunge, Claire D. Bourke, Gerard Bryan Gonzales, Ruairi C. Robertson, Mutsa Bwakura-Dangarembizi, James A. Berkley, Paul Kelly, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a life-threatening condition that contributes to a significant number of deaths in children under 5 in low-income countries. This review explores the role of inflammation in SAM and suggests potential therapeutic interventions based on evidence from other inflammatory syndromes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fassikaw Kebede, Tsehay Kebede, Belete Negese, Atitegeb Abera, Getahun Fentaw, Ayalew Kasaw
Summary: This study aimed to identify predictors of mortality related to severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The study found that vomiting, diarrhea, needing nasogastric therapy, anemia, and being readmitted with SAM were independent risk factors for death. The findings of this study can inform treatment and prevention strategies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shela Sridhar, Janella S. Kang, Isabel Madzorera, Ethan Zulu, Joyce Makasa, Sally Bell Cross, Davidson H. Hamer
Summary: Understanding the prevalence of malnutrition in older children and adolescents is crucial for addressing food insecurity and undernutrition at all age groups. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of adolescents and older children in Zambia and explore the impact of food security.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kirkby D. Tickell, Cathering Achieng, Mary Masheti, Maureen Anyango, Agnes Ndirangu, Mareme M. Diakhate, Emily Yoshioka, Carol Levin, Arianna Rubin Means, Esther M. Choo, Keshet Ronen, Jennifer A. Unger, Barbra A. Richardson, Benson O. Singa, Christine J. Mcgrath
Summary: The use of family mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) supported by SMS reminders can effectively reduce the occurrence of childhood wasting. Empowering caregivers to monitor their child's nutritional status at home may be a crucial measure in preventing moderate wasting.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tannaz Rajabi, Sam K. Schell, Sophia E. Agapova, Amir Hassan, Max Zalta, Donna R. Wegner, Meghan Callaghan-Gillespie, Aminata Koroma, Mohamed Tabita Kamara, Mark J. Manary, Kevin B. Stephenson
Summary: The study found that supplementary feeding for children with moderate wasting can reduce their risk of progressing to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) or death. It also improves the health of their midupper arm circumference (MUAC), decreases the severity of moderate wasting, and increases their weight and MUAC gains.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kathryn G. Dewey, Charles D. Arnold, K. Ryan Wessells, Elizabeth L. Prado, Souheila Abbeddou, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Hasmot Ali, Benjamin F. Arnold, Per Ashorn, Ulla Ashorn, Sania Ashraf, Elodie Becquey, Kenneth H. Brown, Parul Christian, John M. Colford, Sherlie J. L. Dulience, Lia C. H. Fernald, Emanuela Galasso, Lotta Hallamaa, Sonja Y. Hess, Jean H. Humphrey, Lieven Huybregts, Lora L. Iannottie, Kaniz Jannat, Anna Lartey, Agnes Le Port, Jef L. Leroy, Stephen P. Luby, Kenneth Maleta, Susana L. Matias, Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya, Malay K. Mridha, Minyanga Nkhoma, Clair Null, Rina R. Paul, Harriet Okronipa, Jean-Bosco Ouedraogo, Amy J. Pickering, Andrew J. Prendergast, Marie Ruel, Saijuddin Shaikh, Ann M. Weber, Patricia Wolff, Amanda Zongrone, Christine P. Stewart
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) on severe wasting and stunting in children. The results showed that SQ-LNS provision significantly reduced the prevalence of severe wasting and stunting. Additionally, the study suggested that the effects of SQ-LNSs might be greater in areas with higher burden of malnutrition or poor water quality and sanitation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Peter Olupot-Olupot, Roisin Connon, Sarah Kiguli, Robert O. Opoka, Florence Alaroker, Sophie Uyoga, Margret Nakuya, William Okiror, Julius Nteziyaremye, Tonny Ssenyondo, Eva Nabawanuka, Juliana Kayaga, Cynthia Williams Mukisa, Denis Amorut, Rita Muhindo, Gary Frost, Kevin Walsh, Alexander W. Macharia, Diana M. Gibb, A. Sarah Walker, Elizabeth C. George, Kathryn Maitland, Thomas N. Williams
Summary: Sickle cell anemia is common in sub-Saharan Africa, and a trial in Uganda and Malawi found that 12% of children had known sickle cell anemia and 17% had unknown sickle cell anemia. Children with sickle cell anemia showed better outcomes in various indicators.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Susan Thurstans, Charles Opondo, Jeanette Bailey, Heather Stobaugh, Fabrizio Loddo, Stephanie V. Wrottesley, Andy Seal, Mark Myatt, Andre Briend, Michel Garenne, Andrew Mertens, Jonathan Wells, Rebecca Sear, Marko Kerac
Summary: Age and sex have an impact on treatment outcomes of childhood wasting. Girls in therapeutic feeding programmes are less likely to recover than boys. Older children have a shorter length of stay and boys have lower daily weight gain compared to girls. The study suggests that there is no need to change current treatment protocols based on age and sex, but further research is needed to understand other factors affecting treatment outcomes.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Javeria Saleem, Rubeena Zakar, Gul Mehar Javaid Bukhari, Aneela Fatima, Florian Fischer
Summary: In rural areas of Pakistan, about two thirds of children under the age of five with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition showed delayed or unstable global development. Younger children, those not exclusively breastfed, and those with a history of contact with a tuberculosis smear-positive adult were at higher risk for developmental delay.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zebenay Workneh Bitew, Ermias Getaneh Ayele, Teshager Worku, Animut Alebel, Ayinalem Alemu, Frehiwot Worku, Aman Yesuf
Summary: This study aimed to identify the incidence density rate of mortality and determinants among under-five children with severe acute malnutrition in St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College. The results showed shock and IV fluid infusion increased the hazard of death, while F100 and zinc were found to decrease the likelihood of death. Children with SAM who present with shock should be handled carefully, and IV fluids should be given with precautions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abera Lambebo, Deselegn Temiru, Tefera Belachew
Summary: This study aimed to identify the frequency of relapse and associated factors among children discharged after treatment for severe acute malnutrition in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. Results showed that the relapse of SAM was positively associated with age and having edema during admission, while it was negatively associated with discharge MUAC.
Article
Pediatrics
Amare Kassaw, Desalegne Amare, Minyichil Birhanu, Aragaw Tesfaw, Shegaw Zeleke, Getachew Arage, Demewoz Kefale
Summary: This study conducted a retrospective cohort study of 488 severe acute malnourished under-five children admitted from January 1, 2016, to December 30, 2019. The results showed that failed appetite test, altered consciousness level at admission, oxygen saturation below 90%, edema, and HIV infection were predictors of mortality for children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. Early screening of complications, close follow-up, and regular monitoring of severely malnourished children may improve child survival rates.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Gloria A. Odei Obeng-Amoako, Heather Stobaugh, Stephanie Wrottesley, Tanya Khara, Paul Binns, Indi Trehan, Robert E. Black, Patrick Webb, Martha Mwangome, Jeanette Bailey, Paluku Bahwere, Carmel Dolan, Erin Boyd, Andre Briend, Mark A. Myatt, Natasha Lelijveld
Summary: This study examined the prevalence, treatment outcomes, and growth trajectories of children with WAZ <-3 versus children with WAZ >=-3 receiving outpatient treatment for wasting and/or nutritional oedema. The findings revealed that children with WAZ <-3 had lower recovery rates, higher risk of death, and likely require a higher intensity of nutritional support.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Victor Musiime, Andrew Kiggwe, Judith Beinomugisha, Lawrence Kakooza, Josam Thembo-Mwesige, Sharafat Nkinzi, Erusa Naguti, Loice Atuhaire, Ivan Segawa, Willy Ssengooba, Jackson K. Mukonzo, Esther Babirekere-Iriso, Philippa Musoke
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether using antibiotics with higher sensitivity can reduce the mortality rate of severely malnourished children living with HIV or exposed to HIV. The study also explores the prevalence and factors associated with HIV infection in severely malnourished children, as well as the dosing requirements of antiretroviral drugs.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marilia de Fatima Viana Alves, Juliana Moreira da Silva Cruvel, Marluce Alves Coutinho, Maria Milena Bezerra Sousa, Elza Cristina Batista Barbosa, Bruna Renata Fernandes Pires
Summary: This study aimed to verify the proportion and factors associated with hospital-acquired malnutrition in the paediatric unit of a tertiary care hospital in Maranhao, Brazil. The results showed that hospital-acquired malnutrition is still a problem in paediatric patients, and is significantly associated with gastroenteropathies, neuropathies, and malnutrition on admission.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Christina W. Obiero, Phoebe Williams, Sheila Murunga, Johnstone Thitiri, Raymond Omollo, Ann Sarah Walker, Thaddaeus Egondi, Borna Nyaoke, Erika Correia, Zoe Kane, Silke Gastine, Karin Kipper, Joseph F. Standing, Sally Ellis, Mike Sharland, James Alexander Berkley
Summary: This study assessed the pharmacokinetics, changes in sodium levels, and adverse events associated with fosfomycin in neonates with clinical sepsis. The results showed that fosfomycin did not significantly affect serum sodium levels or gastrointestinal side effects. The study also found that fosfomycin in combination with other antimicrobial agents could be a cost-effective and simple treatment option for neonatal sepsis.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Silke Gastine, Christina Obiero, Zoe Kane, Phoebe Williams, John Readman, Sheila Murunga, Johnstone Thitiri, Sally Ellis, Erika Correia, Borna Nyaoke, Karin Kipper, John van den Anker, Mike Sharland, James A. Berkley, Joseph F. Standing
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of ampicillin and gentamicin, commonly used antibiotics for neonatal sepsis. The results showed that the combination therapy of ampicillin and gentamicin was insufficient to cover Enterobacterales, suggesting the need for alternative treatment options.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Patricia Pavlinac, Benson Singa, Meei-Li Huang, Lasata Shrestha, Vanessa Li, Hannah E. Atlas, Mame Mareme Diakhate, Rebecca Brander, Liru Meshak, George Bogonko, Kirkby D. Tickell, Christine J. McGrath, Irine M. Machuara, Derrick O. Ounga, James Berkley, Barbra A. Richardson, Grace John-Stewart, Judd L. Walson, Jennifer Slyker
Summary: CMV viremia levels in HIV-exposed uninfected children in Kenya are associated with 6-month mortality after hospital discharge.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bijun Wen, James M. Njunge, Celine Bourdon, Gerard Bryan Gonzales, Bonface M. Gichuki, Dorothy Lee, David S. Wishart, Moses Ngari, Emmanuel Chimwezi, Johnstone Thitiri, Laura Mwalekwa, Wieger Voskuijl, James A. Berkley, Robert H. J. Bandsma
Summary: Blood metabolomic and proteomic profiles can differentiate between children with severe malnutrition who survive and those who die. The profiles of children who died show increased metabolic substrates, microbial metabolites, acute phase proteins, and inflammatory markers, indicating disruptions in bioenergetic pathways and sepsis-like responses.
Article
Immunology
Alice Kamau, Moses Musau, Stella Mwakio, David Amadi, Amek Nyaguara, Philip Bejon, Anna C. Seale, James A. Berkley, Robert W. Snow
Summary: In an area with high levels of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance on the Kenyan coast, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women with SP continues to be associated with a reduced risk of low birthweight deliveries and stillbirths.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isaac Chome Mwamuye, Simon Karanja, Joseph Baya Msanzu, Aggrey Adem, Mary Kerich, Moses Ngari
Summary: Factors associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV started on ART before and after the implementation of test and treat program in Coastal Kenya were examined. The study found that retention rates were comparable between test and treat and pre-test and treat groups. However, male gender, younger age, divorced/separated status, and poor socio-economic status were associated with higher risks of poor clinical outcomes.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose Villar, Roseline Ochieng, Robert B. Gunier, Aris Papageorghiou, Stephen Rauch, Rose McGready, Julia M. Gauglitz, Fernando C. Barros, Manu Vatish, Michelle Fernandes, Victor Zammit, Verena Carrara, Shama Munim, Rachel Craik, Hellen C. Barsosio, Maria Carvalho, James A. Berkley, Leila I. Cheikh Ismail, Shane A. Norris, Chrystelle O. O. Tshivuila-Matala, Francois Nosten, Eric Ohuma, Alan Stein, Ann Lambert, Adele Winsey, Ricardo Uauy, Brenda Eskenazi, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Stephen Kennedy
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between maternal metabolite signatures, fetal abdominal growth, and postnatal growth, adiposity, and neurodevelopment. The study identified four distinct trajectories of fetal abdominal circumference growth and found corresponding metabolite signatures associated with these growth trajectories. The findings have implications for the early identification of infants at risk of obesity.
LANCET DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alison Talbert, Moses Ngari, Christina Obiero, Amek Nyaguara, Martha Mwangome, Neema Mturi, Nelson Ouma, Mark Otiende, James Berkley
Summary: The number of young infants admitted to a county hospital in Kenya is increasing. The inpatient case fatality rate is 16% and the 1-year post-discharge mortality rate is 5.7%. Inpatient deaths are associated with disease severity, while post-discharge deaths are associated with hospitalization length, leaving against advice, and referral. This highlights the need for improved post-discharge care and services.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Annelien C. de Kat, Jane E. Hirst, Mark Woodward, Fernando C. Barros, Hellen C. Barsosio, James A. Berkley, Maria Carvalho, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Rose McGready, Shane A. Norris, Francois Nosten, Eric Ohuma, Chrystelle O. O. Tshivuila-Matala, William Stones, Eleonora Staines Urias, Maria Clara Restrepo-Mendez, Ann Lambert, Shama Munim, Adele Winsey, Aris T. Papageorghiou, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Jose Villar, Stephen H. Kennedy, Sanne A. E. Peters
Summary: This study externally validated and calibrated previously published models that predicted the risk of preeclampsia based on blood pressure at multiple time points in pregnancy. It found that these prediction models could potentially serve as a risk stratifying tool to help identify women who might benefit from increased surveillance during pregnancy.
PREGNANCY HYPERTENSION-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Moses M. Ngari, Mohammed A. Rashid, Deche Sanga, Hiram Mathenge, Oscar Agoro, Jane K. Mberia, Geoffrey G. Katana, Michel Vaillant, Osman A. Abdullahi
Summary: This study analyzed retrospective data from TB surveillance in two counties in Kenya to examine the burden of TB/HIV co-infection and its impact on TB treatment outcomes. The study found that the proportion of HIV infected TB patients decreased over time, but HIV infection was associated with lower treatment completion rates and higher risk of death or defaulting treatment.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Paraskevi Massara, Arooj Asrar, Celine Bourdon, Moses Ngari, Charles D. G. Keown-Stoneman, Jonathon L. Maguire, Catherine S. Birken, James A. Berkley, Robert H. J. Bandsma, Elena M. Comelli
Summary: This study assessed the performance of six methods for detecting different types of outliers, proposed two novel methods for outlier trajectory detection, and evaluated the impact of outliers on growth pattern detection. The results showed that model-based outlier detection methods performed best for measurements, especially for low and moderate error intensities. The clustering-based outlier trajectory method performed exceptionally well across all types and intensities of errors. Comparing growth groups with and without outliers demonstrated that outliers can alter group membership.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marko Kerac, Marie McGrath, James A. Berkley, Carlos S. Grijalva-Eternod, Natasha Lelijveld, Martha Mwangome, Eleanor Rogers
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Susan Thurstans, Stephanie Wrottesley, Bridget Fenn, Tanya Khara, Paluku Bahwere, James A. Berkley, Robert E. Black, Erin Boyd, Michel Garenne, Sheila Isanaka, Natasha Lelijveld, Christine M. McDonald, Andrew Mertens, Martha Mwangome, Kieran S. O'Brien, Heather Stobaugh, Sunita Taneja, Keith P. West, Saul Guerrero, Marko Kerac, Andre Briend, Mark Myatt
Summary: The risk of death from undernutrition is higher in younger children than in older children. Boys have a higher prevalence of undernutrition than girls. The risk of death is higher in younger children for underweight and stunting, but not for wasting. There are no sex differences in mortality risk for all deficits.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosie J. Crane, Edward P. K. Parker, Simon Fleming, Agnes Gwela, Wilson Gumbi, Joyce M. Ngoi, Zaydah R. de Laurent, Emily Nyatichi, Moses Ngari, Juliana Wambua, Holm H. Uhlig, James A. Berkley
Summary: Background Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder prevalent among children in low-income settings. This study in rural Kenyan infants found that EED development is associated with stunting and breastfeeding patterns, with seasonal variations in impact. Therapeutic strategies targeting SIBO may not effectively address EED in this context.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Geoffrey G. Katana, Moses Ngari, Teresia Maina, Deche Sanga, Osman A. Abdullahi
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the proportion and determinants of poor tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes in Kilifi County, Kenya. The results showed that over two-thirds of poor outcomes occurred within the first three months of TB treatment, highlighting the need for greater efforts during this phase. Interventions targeting HIV-infected individuals, the elderly, and retreated patients have the potential to improve TB treatment outcomes.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)