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Hayes J, Quiring M, Kerac M, Smythe T, Tann CJ, Groce N, Gultie Z, Nyesigomwe L, DeLacey E. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement usage among children with disabilities: A systematic review. Nutr Health 2023:2601060231181607. [PMID: 37338528 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231181607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Anthropometric measurements, including mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), are used for monitoring and evaluating children's nutritional status. Evidence is limited on optimal nutritional assessment for children with disabilities, who are at high risk for malnutrition. Aim: This study describes MUAC use among children with disabilities. Methods: Four databases (Embase, Global Health, Medline, and CINHAL) were searched from January 1990 through September 2021 using a predefined search strategy. Of the 305 publications screened, 32 papers were included. Data included children 6 months to 18 years old with disabilities. Data including general study characteristics, methods for MUAC measurement, terminology, and measurement references were extracted into Excel. Due to heterogeneity of the data, a narrative synthesis was used. Results: Studies from 24 countries indicate that MUAC is being used as part of nutritional assessment, but MUAC measurement methods, references, and cutoffs were inconsistent. Sixteen (50%) reported MUAC as a mean ± standard deviation (SD), 11 (34%) reported ranges or percentiles, 6 (19%) reported z-scores, and 4 (13%) used other methods. Fourteen (45%) studies included both MUAC and weight-for-height but nonstandard reporting limited comparability of the indicators for identifying those at risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: Although its speed, simplicity, and ease of use afford MUAC great potential for assessing children with disabilities, more research is needed to understand its appropriateness, and how it performs at identifying nutritionally high-risk children in comparison to other measures. Without validated inclusive measures to identify malnutrition and monitor growth and health, millions of children could have severe consequences for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hayes
- Nutrition and Health Services, Holt International, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael Quiring
- Nutrition and Health Services, Holt International, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Marko Kerac
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tracey Smythe
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cally J Tann
- Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology & International Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Neonatal Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nora Groce
- UCL International Disability Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London UK
| | | | | | - Emily DeLacey
- Nutrition and Health Services, Holt International, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
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Kerac M, Postels DG, Mallewa M, Alusine Jalloh A, Voskuijl WP, Groce N, Gladstone M, Molyneux E. The interaction of malnutrition and neurologic disability in Africa. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2014; 21:42-9. [PMID: 24655404 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Malnutrition and neurodisability are both major public health problems in Africa. This review highlights key areas where they interact. This happens throughout life and starts with maternal malnutrition affecting fetal neurodevelopment with both immediate (eg, folate deficiency causing neural tube defects) and lifelong implications (eg, impaired cognitive function). Maternal malnutrition can also increase the risk of perinatal problems, including birth asphyxia, a major cause of neurologic damage and cerebral palsy. Macronutrient malnutrition can both cause and be caused by neurodisability. Mechanisms include decreased food intake, increased nutrient losses, and increased nutrient requirement. Specific micronutrient deficiencies can also lead to neurodisability, for example, blindness (vitamin A), intractable epilepsy (vitamin B6), and cognitive impairment (iodine and iron). Toxin ingestion (eg, from poorly processed cassava) can cause neurodisability including a peripheral polyneuropathy and a spastic paraparesis. We conclude that there is an urgent need for nutrition and disability programs to work more closely together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Kerac
- Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, University College London, UK; Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Malawi
| | - Douglas G Postels
- International Neurologic and Psychiatric Epidemiology Program, Michigan State University, MI
| | - Mac Mallewa
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Malawi; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Malawi
| | | | - Wieger P Voskuijl
- Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre, University College London, UK
| | - Nora Groce
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Malawi
| | | | - Elizabeth Molyneux
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine, Malawi.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh, and examine the relationship between various factors and vitamin A status. SETTING Community Nutrition Promoter (CNP) centres in Kapasia sub-district of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two hundred women, aged 18-39 years, in their second or third trimester of pregnancy were selected from seventeen CNP centres in four unions of Kapasia sub-district where they usually visit for antenatal care. Various socio-economic, personal and pregnancy-related information, dietary intake of vitamin A and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) data were collected. Serum retinol (vitamin A) concentration was determined. RESULTS More than half (51 %) of the pregnant women had low vitamin A status (serum retinol <1.05 micromol/l) with 18.5 % having VAD (serum retinol <0.70 micromol/l). Fifty-three per cent of the women's vitamin A intake was less than the recommended dietary allowance. By multiple regression analysis, MUAC, per-capita expenditure on food and wealth index were found to have significant independent positive relationship with serum retinol concentration, while gestational age of the pregnant women had a negative relationship. The overall F-ratio (10.3) was highly significant (P = 0.0001), the adjusted R2 was 0.18 (multiple R = 0.45). CONCLUSION VAD is highly prevalent among rural pregnant women in Bangladesh. Gestational age, nutritional status, per-capita expenditure on food and wealth index appear to be important in influencing the vitamin A status of these women. An appropriate intervention is warranted in order to improve the vitamin A status.
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Noh SK, Koo SI. Low zinc intake decreases the lymphatic output of retinol in rats infused intraduodenally with beta-carotene. J Nutr Biochem 2003; 14:147-53. [PMID: 12742542 DOI: 10.1016/s0955-2863(02)00277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that the lymphatic absorption of retinol is significantly decreased in rats fed a low zinc diet. This study was conducted to determine whether the absorption of beta-carotene also is altered in zinc-deficient male rats. The absorption of beta-carotene was estimated by determining the amount of retinol appearing in the mesenteric lymph during intraduodenal infusion of beta-carotene. One group of rats was fed the AIN-93G diet but low in zinc (LZ; 3 mg/kg) and the other was fed the same diet adequate in zinc (AZ; 30 mg/kg). The LZ and AZ rats were trained to meal feed equal amounts of the diets twice daily. At 6 weeks, each rat with lymph cannula was infused via an intraduodenal catheter at 3 ml/h for 8 h with a lipid emulsion containing 65.0 nM beta-carotene, 565.1 microM triolein, 27.8 kBq 14C-triolein (14C-OA), 72 mg albumin, and 396 microM Na-taurocholate in 24 ml PBS (pH 6.7). The lymphatic output of retinol over the 8-h period was significantly lower in LZ rats than in AZ rats. The absorption of 14C-OA also was significantly lower in LZ rats. No significant differences were observed between groups in intestinal beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase, retinal reductase, and retinal oxidase activities. The findings demonstrate that low zinc intake or marginal zinc deficiency significantly lowers the absorption of beta-carotene as estimated by lymphatic retinol output. The results also indicate that the decrease in retinol output in LZ rats is not linked to defects in beta-carotene cleavage and subsequent conversion of retinal to retinol in the intestinal mucosa. This study suggests that zinc status is an important factor determining the intestinal absorption of beta-carotene and hence the nutritional status of vitamin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang K Noh
- Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Woodruff BA, Duffield A. Anthropometric assessment of nutritional status in adolescent populations in humanitarian emergencies. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002; 56:1108-18. [PMID: 12428177 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To outline the difficulties and suggest potential solutions in anthropometric assessment of adolescents during humanitarian emergencies. DESIGN Literature review. SETTING Multiple settings in which the nutritional status of adolescents has been assessed using anthropometric measurements. SUBJECTS Adolescents in multiple populations. INTERVENTIONS None. RESULTS The use of anthropometry may be more difficult in adolescents than in other age groups because anthropometric indices in normally nourished adolescents change with age and sexual development. Moreover, survey and reference populations may differ in the age at which certain pubertal landmarks are attained, requiring adjustment for differences between survey and reference populations. Adolescent populations may also differ by ethnicity in various body proportions that affect anthropometric indices. Adjustment may be required when the body proportions of adolescents in the reference population differ from those in the population assessed. CONCLUSIONS Although no definitive recommendation can be made regarding which anthropometric indices are the most appropriate for adolescents, some revisions may improve current practices. Weight-for-height could be used for prepubertal adolescents and body mass index could be used for postpubertal adolescents. Because cut-off points are age-specific, age should be collected as accurately as possible for all adolescents measured during screening or survey activities. The WHO-recommended reference population of US adolescents is inappropriate in most populations of adolescents. Adolescents should never undergo nutritional assessment in isolation; other population subgroups should be included, and other health, nutrition and food data should be collected at the same time. SPONSORSHIP The United Nations Administrative Committee on Coordination/Sub-Committee on Nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Woodruff
- International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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West KP, LeClerq SC, Shrestha SR, Wu LS, Pradhan EK, Khatry SK, Katz J, Adhikari R, Sommer A. Effects of vitamin A on growth of vitamin A-deficient children: field studies in Nepal. J Nutr 1997; 127:1957-65. [PMID: 9311951 DOI: 10.1093/jn/127.10.1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inconsistencies have been observed in the impact of vitamin A (VA) supplementation on early child growth. To help clarify this issue, a cohort of 3377 rural Nepalese, nonxerophthalmic children 12-60 mo of age were randomized by ward to receive vitamin A [60,000 microg retinol equivalents (RE)] or placebo-control (300 RE) supplementation once every 4 mo and followed for 16 mo. VA had no impact on annual weight gain or linear growth. However, arm circumference (AC) and muscle area (MA) growth improved in VA recipients, by 0.13 cm and 25 mm2, respectively, over controls. Growth of children with xerophthalmia, who were treated with >/= 120, 000 RE at base line, was also compared to that of nonxerophthalmic children, stratified by initial wasting status, and adjusted for sex, baseline age and measurement status. Among initially nonwasted children (AC >/= 13.5 cm), VA-treated xerophthalmic children (n = 86) gained 0.7 cm more in linear growth than nonxerophthalmic children. Among initially wasted children (AC < 13.5 cm), VA-treated children (n = 34) gained additional weight (672 g), height (approximately 1 cm), muscle (76 mm2) and fat (79 mm2) areas, and subscapular skinfold (1.3 mm) compared to changes observed in nonxerophthalmic children. Relative increments in soft tissue growth occurred within 4 mo of VA treatment, while the effect on linear growth was gradual. Moderate-to-severe VA deficiency, marked by xerophthalmia, is likely to impair normal physical growth, but milder stages of deficiency may not have this effect in rural South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P West
- The Center for Human Nutrition (CHN), Department of International Health and the Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology (DCPO), the Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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