Nutritional outcome of children hospitalised in the paediatric intensive care unit: A single-centre longitudinal study

Objectives: Hospitalisation in paediatric intensive care units (PICU) is associated with a high nutritional risk. The objective of the study is to study the nutritional outcome of children hospitalised in the PICU and identify risk factors for hospital-acquired undernutrition (HAUN). Material and Methods: We conducted a longitudinal analytical study with exhaustive inclusion from February 1 to July 31, 2023 (6 months) in the PICU of the Brazzaville Teaching Hospital Center. The sample size was determined using Schwartz’s formula. The nutritional status of the children was assessed at admission and discharge, and socio-demographic, clinical, dietary and developmental data were analysed. A logistic regression method was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 250 children selected, 51.1% were male, with a median age interquartile range of 48 (15–72) months. Nutritional status was stable or improved in 80% of the children, and 18% had developed HAUN. Wasting was the most common type of undernutrition (68.9%), and children who were undernourished on admission were more likely to be affected (42.9% vs. 14%). The risk factors for HAUN were: father unemployed ( P = 0.019 ) , primary school level ( P = 0.04), maternal age between 15 and 25 ( P < 0.001), inadequate nutritional intake ( P = 0.03) , shock ( P = 0.001), coma ( P = 0.006), severe bronchopulmonary infections ( P = 0.01), measles ( P < 0.02) and length of hospitalisation >7 days ( P < 0.000). Conclusion: The extent of HAUN in the PICU and its consequences require the implementation of preventive measures based on the factors identified in this study.