DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT PLAN & COMPLICATIONS
DIAGNOSIS
Growth monitoring:
- Length (under 2 years)
- Height (over 2 years)
- Weight
- BMI (after age 2) o BMI <2nd centile suggests undernutrition/ small build
o BMI <0.4th centile indicates likely undernourishment
- Head circumference
Monitoring frequency:
- Daily if <1 month old – Weekly if 1-6 months
- Fortnightly if 6-12 months
- Monthly if >1 year
TREATMENT PLAN
- Community-based management initially – Regular growth monitoring – Referral/discussion if:
Evidence of illness
Marked weight loss
Non-response to primary care treatment
Slow/unexpected growth
Short stature
COMPLICATIONS
- Stunted/poor linear growth
- Cognitive decline/IQ effects into adulthood – Developmental delays