Impact of Therapeutic Foods on Hematological Parameters of Malnourished Children Admitted at the Intensive Nutritional Recovery Center of Tessaoua, Maradi, Niger Republic

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the impact of the therapeutic foods on the hematological parameters of malnourished children below 5 years of age. Study Design:  This is a Prospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Intensive Nutritional Recovery Center of Tessaoua, Maradi, Niger republic, from June 15 to September 10, 2022. Methodology: We included 60 malnourished children (36 males, 24 females; age range 6-59 months) who are severely acutely malnourished. Standard survey forms that were developed for the purpose have permitted to obtain sociodemographic and hematological data (hemoglobin level and leukocyte count) concerning malnourished children. Results: The results showed that among the 60 children that were surveyed, at entry, 50 (83.33%) were recorded to have a low hemoglobin level and 36 (60%) with highly elevated leucocyte count. At the end of treatment with therapeutic foods, it was observed an overall normalization of these parameters during an average duration of hospitalization. Conclusion: Therapeutic foods have shown a significant positive influence on hematological parameters of malnourished children. Their use should therefore be encouraged in line with other strategies in order to ensure good and rapid recovery in malnourished children under five years of age.