NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES AS RISK FACTORS FOR DELAYED RECOVERY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Background: Nutritional deficiencies significantly impact pediatric recovery, yet their role in prolonged hospital stays and complications remains underexplored. Malnutrition, including protein-energy deficits and micronutrient deficiencies, compromises immune function, delays wound healing, and increases susceptibility to infections. Despite advances in pediatric care, inadequate nutritional status continues to hinder optimal recovery outcomes. Understanding the relationship between specific deficiencies and delayed recovery can enhance clinical management and improve healthcare efficiency. This study evaluates the association between nutritional deficiencies and recovery duration in hospitalized pediatric patients, emphasizing the importance of early assessment and intervention in mitigating adverse outcomes. Objective: To investigate the impact of nutritional deficiencies on delayed recovery in pediatric inpatients and identify key biochemical markers associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased complications. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, enrolling 200 pediatric inpatients aged 1–12 years. Inclusion criteria required documented nutritional assessments and defined recovery timelines. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake evaluations, and biochemical markers (hemoglobin, serum albumin, vitamin D, zinc, ferritin) were analyzed. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression to assess associations between nutritional status and recovery outcomes. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Delayed recovery was observed in 40% of patients, with significantly lower hemoglobin (9.8 ± 1.1 g/dL vs. 11.1 ± 1.0 g/dL, p<0.01), serum albumin (3.1 ± 0.4 g/dL vs. 3.8 ± 0.5 g/dL, p<0.01), vitamin D (14.2 ± 5.8 ng/mL vs. 21.5 ± 6.5 ng/mL, p<0.01), zinc (58.4 ± 13.2 µg/dL vs. 69.3 ± 14.8 µg/dL, p=0.02), and ferritin (24.5 ± 12.7 ng/mL vs. 35.6 ± 14.2 ng/mL, p=0.03) compared to those with normal recovery. Complications were prevalent in 30% of patients, with lower serum albumin (3.0 ± 0.3 g/dL vs. 3.7 ± 0.5 g/dL, p<0.01) and vitamin D (13.8 ± 4.9 ng/mL vs. 20.3 ± 6.2 ng/mL, p=0.02) levels significantly associated with increased morbidity. Prolonged hospitalization was evident in malnourished patients (9.1 ± 2.3 days vs. 6.4 ± 1.7 days, p<0.01). Conclusion: Nutritional deficiencies significantly contribute to delayed recovery in pediatric inpatients, emphasizing the need for early assessment and intervention. Targeted nutritional strategies can reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve clinical outcomes. Standardized nutritional screening should be integrated into routine pediatric care to optimize recovery and overall health.