Prevalence of Malnutrition among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Jordan: Pilot Study

Introduction: Failure to thrive (FTT) occurs when a child’s growth falls below expected standards, typically due to inadequate nutrient intake. Factors include insufficient oral intake, poor nutrient absorption, and increased metabolic demands. Previous studies have shown high malnutrition rates in hospitalized children due to illness-related metabolic demands, decreased appetite, and inadequate intake. Our objective was to assess the growth and nutritional status of children admitted to King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) and identify the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted at KAUH from July to December 2022. We included children aged 2 months to 16 years, excluding those with conditions altering growth parameters. Data were collected through pediatric data sheets, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and growth was assessed using CDC growth charts. Nutritional anemia was defined as hemoglobin 16. Results: A total of 111 patients were included (56.8% male, median age 65 months). Most patients had normal height (82%) and weight (86.5%) upon admission. However, 14.4% were stunted, 11.7% were underweight, 14.4% were overweight, and 3.6% were obese. Growth impairment correlated with higher anemia rates (p = 0.042). Nutritional anemia was present in 12% of patients. No significant relation was found between breastfeeding history and growth retardation, but maternal perception of malnutrition correlated well with actual malnutrition. Conclusion: Our study found a malnutrition prevalence of 19.8%, highlighting the need for systematic nutritional screening in hospitalized children. The study’s limitations include its small sample size and specific patient population, suggesting the need for larger, multicenter studies for more generalizable results.

Effect of Pre-Existing Chronic Medical Conditions on Clinical Features and Disease Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Jordanian Children

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged unexpectedly, impacting millions worldwide and, though waning in many regions, remains a significant concern. This study focused on understanding COVID-19’s clinical presentation, disease progression, and outcomes among hospitalized pediatric patients. Additionally, it sought to investigate the impact of concurrent chronic medical conditions on disease severity. Methods: Conducted retrospectively between September 2020 and December 2021, this study observed pediatric patients (below 18 years) hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 at an Irbid, Jordan tertiary healthcare center. Patients meeting inclusion criteria, including a positive nasal swab PCR test and hospitalization need, were analyzed. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected and segregated into two groups (A and B) based on the presence of chronic conditions. Comparative analysis encompassed presentation, disease trajectory, and outcomes between these groups. Results: Among 451 tested positive patients, 112 were included in the study. Significant differences emerged between the two pediatric groups hospitalized for COVID-19. Those with concurrent chronic illnesses exhibited heightened symptom severity—fever, dyspnea, fatigue—and a higher incidence of abnormal chest radiographs, often requiring intensive care and experiencing elevated mortality rates. Conclusion: This study underscores the criticality of prioritizing COVID-19 management strategies for pediatric patients with pre-existing chronic medical conditions. The findings highlight the increased vulnerability and poorer outcomes experienced by this subgroup, emphasizing the necessity for tailored interventions and focused care approaches.

Therapeutic pediatric upper endoscopy: a retrospective report from a low-volume center

Background:Pediatric endoscopy has become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for a range of gastrointestinal conditions in children,according to published guidelines.This study aimed to assess the indications,outcomes,and complications of therapeutic endoscopy in children at King Abdullah University Hospital(KAUH)in Jordan.Methods:This study conducted a retrospective chart review of therapeutic endoscopic procedures,including esophageal dilation,variceal and non-variceal hemostasis,foreign body retrieval,and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)Tube insertion,performed between January 2014 and December 2020 at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit(a mixed adult and pediatric unit)at KAUH.Demographic data,indications for intervention,comorbidities,procedural outcomes,postprocedural treatment,complications,readmission,and patient follow-up data were extracted from the patient's medical records.Results:During the study period,185 patients underwent 260 therapeutic endoscopic procedures.110(60%)of the patients were boys.The average age of the patients was 81.8±51.46(standard deviation)months.Foreign body retrieval was the most common procedure,with accidental ingestion being the primary cause and coins being the most commonly impacted foreign body.Followed by esophageal dilatation and PEG tube insertion.Complications were mild and rare.Conclusion:The success rates and post-procedural complications of pediatric endoscopy procedures are similar between low-and high-volume hospitals worldwide,and procedural volume is not the only factor contributing to procedural outcomes and complication rates.