Effectiveness of Home-Based Administration of Ready to Use Therapeutic Formula (RUTF) in the Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)

Authors

  • Abida Faiz Talpur Senior Registrar, Pediatric Department, Federal Govt. Polyclinic Hospital (PGMI), Islamabad
  • Naveed Ashraf Assistant Professor & Physician, Pediatric Department, Federal Govt. Polyclinic Hospital (PGMI), Islamabad
  • Rabia Tabasum Medical Officer, Pediatric Department, Federal Govt. Polyclinic Hospital (PGMI), Islamabad
  • Ayesha Abdul Razzaq Medical Officer, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) , Islamabad.
  • Aatika Minhas Senior Registrar, Pediatric Department, Federal Govt. Polyclinic Hospital (PGMI), Islamabad
  • Shahzad Munir Professor & Consultant Physician, Head of the Pediatric Department, Federal Govt. Polyclinic Hospital (PGMI), Islamabad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48036/apims.v20i1.1058

Keywords:

RUTF, Malnutrition

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the growth of children with uncomplicated Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) treated with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Formula (RUTF) on an outpatient department basis.

Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted on 66 children at the Outpatient setting of the MCH Centre, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2023 to June 2023, after approval from the hospital’s ethical committee. Children aged 6-59 months suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were selected for nutritional rehabilitation with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Formula (RUTF) after meeting the selection criteria defined by WHO. RUTF is a nutrient mixture formulated primarily for the therapy of severe acute malnutrition without complications.

Results: The mean age of patients was 16.98±6.12 months. Out of 66 patients, 26 (39.3%) were male, and 40 (60.6%) were female. The mean weight before RUTF treatment was 6.53±1.21 kg, mean Height/Length was 71.65±7.01 cm, mean MUAC was 10.88±0.36 cm, mean BSR was 91.21±2.32 mg/dL, and mean weight after RUTF treatment was 9.17±1.53 kg. There was a significant difference in the weight of children after RUTF treatment (6.53±1.21 vs 9.17±1.53, p=0.0001) with no side effects. The weight increased after treatment with RUTF.

Conclusion: According to WHO recommendations, we conclude that RUTF is helpful in enhancing weight gain in children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition under the age of five.

RUTF

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Published

2024-03-01

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Section

Original Articles