Mohamed Tahir Abdi Complication of Sever acuate Malnutrition

2. Common Medical Complications in
Severe Acute Malnutrition ( SAM)
1. Anorexia, poor appetite Child is unable to drink or breastfeed;
failed RUTF appetite test.
2. Intractable vomiting Child vomits after every oral intake.
3. High fever Child has high body temperature, or
axillary temperature > 38.5°C, rectal
temperature > 39°C.
4. Hypothermia Child has low body temperature, or
axillary temperature < 35.0°C, rectal
temperature < 35.5°C.

3. 5.Lower respiratory tract infection Child has a cough with difficult breathing,
fast breathing (if child is age 2–12
months: 50 breaths per minute or more;
if child is age 12 months to 5 years: 40
breaths per minute or more), or chest in
drawing.
6.Severe anaemia Child has palmar pallor or unusual
paleness of the skin (compare the colour
of the child’s palm with your own palm
and with the palms of other children).
7.Skin lesion Child has broken skin, fissures, flaking
of skin.
8.Unconsciousness Child does not respond to painful
stimuli (for example, injection).

4. 9.Lethargy, not alert Child is difficult to wake. Ask the mother
if the child is drowsy, shows no interest
in what is happening around him or her,
does not look at the mother or watch
your face when talking, is unusually
sleepy.
11.Convulsions During a convulsion, child’s arms and
legs stiffen because the muscles are
contracting. Ask the mother if the child
had convulsions during this current
illness.
10.Hypoglycemia There are often no clinical signs of
hypoglycaemia. One sign that does
occur in a child with SAM is eyelid
retraction: child sleeps with eyes
slightly open.

5. 12.Severe dehydration Child with SAM has a recent history of
diarrhoea, vomiting, high fever or
sweating, and recent appearance of
clinical signs of dehydration as reported
by the caregiver.
13. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both
lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent
material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever,
chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms,
including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause
pneumonia
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that
most often affects the lungs. TB is caused by a
type of bacteria. It spreads through the air when
infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
14. Tuberculosis (TB)

6. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the
brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by infection. It
can be fatal and requires immediate medical care.
15.Meningitis
16.Shock
Medical shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs
when the body is not getting enough blood flow. This can
be caused by a variety of factors, including blood loss,
severe infection, dehydration, and allergic reactions. If
left untreated, shock can lead to organ failure and death.
is a general term used to describe any skin condition
or abnormality affecting the skin, hair, or nails.
17. Dermatosis

8. • An electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels of electrolytes in your body become too high
or too low. Electrolytes are minerals that conduct electricity in your body. They play a vital
role in many important bodily functions, including:
ü Maintaining the balance of fluids in your body
ü Regulating muscle and nerve function
ü Keeping your heart rhythm steady
There are several different electrolytes, but the most common ones that can cause problems
are:
Ø Sodium
Ø Potassium
Ø Calcium
Ø Magnesium
• An electrolyte imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
• Dehydration: This is the most common cause of electrolyte imbalance. It can happen when
you don't drink enough fluids, sweat too much, or have diarrhea or vomiting.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and laxatives, can cause
electrolyte imbalances.
• Kidney problems: Kidneys help to regulate the levels of electrolytes in your body. If your
kidneys aren't working properly, you may develop an electrolyte imbalance.
• Eating disorders: People with eating disorders may not be getting the nutrients they need,
which can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

9. Excessive sweating: Athletes and people who work in hot conditions can lose a
lot of fluids and electrolytes through sweat.
• The symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance can vary depending on the
severity of the imbalance and the specific electrolyte that is affected. Some
common symptoms include:
ü Muscle cramps or weakness
ü Fatigue
ü Nausea and vomiting
ü Dizziness or light-headedness
ü Irregular heartbeat
ü Confusion
ü Seizures

10. • If you think you may have an electrolyte
imbalance, it's important to see a doctor right
away. They can do a blood test to check your
electrolyte levels and recommend treatment.
Treatment for electrolyte imbalance will
depend on the cause of the imbalance and the
severity of the symptoms. In most cases,
treatment will involve replacing fluids and
electrolytes. This may be done by drinking
fluids or taking oral rehydration solutions. In
severe cases, you may need to receive fluids
and electrolytes intravenously (through an IV).