Malnutrition and Outcome in Hospitalized Children in Europe

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Malnutrition in children has even more severe consequences on disease course and long-term health than malnutrition in adults. According to prior studies, malnutrition affects about 15-30 % of hospitalized children in Europe (ESPGHAN 2005, Pawellek et al 2008, Joosten and Hulst 2008). However, available criteria for defining malnutrition in paediatric patients are inconsistent, not based on firm evidence, and not generally agreed upon. Current guidelines do not address assessment of and screening for childhood malnutrition. Therefore, a large number of affected children are not adequately diagnosed. One aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and patients at risk for malnutrition among at least 2700 hospitalized children mainly across Europe. In addition criteria to link anthropometric measurements and the prediction of outcome, i.e. length of hospital stay, shall be established. A further goal then is to establish agreed, evidence-based criteria for malnutrition in children with the purpose of leading to an agreed, evidence-based screening tool for paediatric malnutrition in developed countries. This tool shall include a set of simple questions, based on previously suggested tools. Thereby this study will provide a strong basis for implementing evidence-based nutritional interventions in paediatric patients by harmonisation of diagnostic criteria for childhood malnutrition in developed countries.

Official Title
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Malnutrition and Outcome in Hospitalized Children in Europe (ESPEN Network Grant Project)

Conditions
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Malnutrition

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Children admitted to the participating hospitals during the study period Age between 1 month and 18 years Expected hospital stay exceeding 24 hours Parents/caregivers, as well as those patients capable to comprehend, agree to participation and sign the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: Infants with premature birth (<37 weeks gestational age) during the first 12 months of life Infants < 1 month of age Patients ≥ 18 years of age Children in need of intensive care Children admitted to day-care (LOS < 24hours) Patients admitted for elective reasons with an expected hospital stay <24 hours

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 1 Month
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| hospitalised children<br> | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Length of Hospital Stay | Length of Hospital Stay will be compared between malnourished and non malnourished children. | 60 days | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| infection as a complication during hospital stay | frequency of infectious complications (number of days with temperature >38,5°C, number of days with days with antibiotic use) | 60 days | 
| gastrointestinal complications (vomiting, diarrhoea) | frequency of gastrointestinal complications: frequency of vomiting and diarrhoea during hospital stay | 60 days | 
| muscle strength | maximal isometric grip force in children ≥ 6 years of age measured within 24 hours after admission | within 24 hours after admission | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Malnutrition, children, Hospital Stay, Screening Tools, Anthropometry