Detection of protein energy malnutrition
Bhardwaj, R.C.; Singh, R.N.; Gupta, B.D.
Indian Pediatrics 20(8): 587-591
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 6420338 Document Number: 215875
Some age-independent indices were evaluated in a search for an easy, economic and reasonably accurate index, which could be used by less skilled workers in the developing rural world for detecting protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). The specificity and sensitivity of weight/heightsuperscript 2 index were 69.5 and 94.4%, of midarm circumference:head circumference ratio with 0.30 as cut-off point, 42.0 and 95.4% and of midarm circumference alone 76.8 and 76.4%. Although weight/heightsuperscript 2 index is more accurate, arm circumference alone could be used as a single and best age-independent indicator of PEM in children 1 to 5 years old, without missing a single patient with severe malnutriton. The use of a coloured tape with red colour for midarm circumference less than 13.5 cm and green for 13.5 cm and above, was recommended in child-welfare programmes dependent on the auxiliary health workers for detecting severe PEM.