Screening for nutritional risk in hospitalized children under the age of five: Predictors of high nutritional risk

Abstract

Background: Screening for nutritional risk (NR) in hospitalized children is important in deciding the appropriate nutritional care for the patient and preventing the deterioration of the nutritional status of the child during hospitalization. Aim: To assess the NR in children hospitalized in a pediatric department using the PNRS score and to study the factors associated with a high NR in children under 5 years old. Results: 88 patients included. The NR was low, medium and high in 32%, 53% and 15% of cases. The factors associated with a high NR were: prematurity, low birth weight, lack of breastfeeding, chronic diseases, severe dyspnea, fever and the presence of undernutrition on admission. Conclusion: Screening for undernutrition on admission as well as assessment of NR in hospitalized children is essential.