IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-5-19334 Original Research Paper DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN SEVERELY MALNOURISHED CHILDREN. Harshit Bhargava Dr. May 2019 8 5 01 02 ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the developmental changes in Severely Malnourished Children. Design: Prospective Cross–sectional study Setting: Severe Malnutrition Treatment Unit (SMTU), Department of Paediatrics, Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh Participants: Study was carried out on 52 Severely Malnourished (SAM) Children in the age group of 0–5 years admitted in Severe Malnutrition Treatment Unit(SMTU) of Department of Paediatrics. The cases with neurological disease like epilepsy, cerebral palsy, meningitis, tumour, hydrocephalus, history of perinatal asphyxia or any sign and symptom suggestive of CNS involvement were excluded to detect CNS changes attributable to malnutrition only. Main Outcome Measure(s): Development assessment using DDST II was performed to assess the functional changes in SAM children. Association of developmental delay & malnutrition with various demographic & social factors was also assessed. Results: Development assessment by DDST II revealed that out of 52 SAM children, 26 children (i.e. 50%) had developmental delay. Improper breast feeding practices, rural residence, low socioeconomic status and improper immunization are frequently associated with malnutrition and developmental delay. Conclusions: Our study reveals that malnutrition per se has a significant effect on functions of the developing brain and also affects the intellectual development.