Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Front Epidemiol. 2024 March 21; Volume 4; 1309149.; DOI:10.3389/fepid.2024.1309149
Gutierrez R, Landa M, Sambou M, Bassane H, Dia N, et al.
Front Epidemiol. 2024 March 21; Volume 4; 1309149.; DOI:10.3389/fepid.2024.1309149
BACKGROUND
With growing use of parasitological tests to detect malaria and decreasing incidence of the disease in Africa; it becomes necessary to increase the understanding of causes of non-malaria acute febrile illness (NMAFI) towards providing appropriate case management. This research investigates causes of NMAFI in pediatric out-patients in rural Guinea-Bissau.
METHODS
Children 0–5 years presenting acute fever (≥38°) or history of fever, negative malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) and no signs of specific disease were recruited at the out-patient clinic of 3 health facilities in Bafatá province during 54 consecutive weeks (dry and rainy season). Medical history was recorded and blood, nasopharyngeal, stool and urine samples were collected and tested for the presence of 38 different potential aetiological causes of fever.
RESULTS
Samples from 741 children were analysed, the protocol was successful in determining a probable aetiological cause of acute fever in 544 (73.61%) cases. Respiratory viruses were the most frequently identified pathogens, present in the nasopharynx samples of 435 (58.86%) cases, followed by bacteria detected in 167 (22.60%) samples. Despite presenting negative mRDTs, P. falciparum was identified in samples of 24 (3.25%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This research provides a description of the aetiological causes of NMAFI in West African context. Evidence of viral infections were more commonly found than bacteria or parasites.
With growing use of parasitological tests to detect malaria and decreasing incidence of the disease in Africa; it becomes necessary to increase the understanding of causes of non-malaria acute febrile illness (NMAFI) towards providing appropriate case management. This research investigates causes of NMAFI in pediatric out-patients in rural Guinea-Bissau.
METHODS
Children 0–5 years presenting acute fever (≥38°) or history of fever, negative malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) and no signs of specific disease were recruited at the out-patient clinic of 3 health facilities in Bafatá province during 54 consecutive weeks (dry and rainy season). Medical history was recorded and blood, nasopharyngeal, stool and urine samples were collected and tested for the presence of 38 different potential aetiological causes of fever.
RESULTS
Samples from 741 children were analysed, the protocol was successful in determining a probable aetiological cause of acute fever in 544 (73.61%) cases. Respiratory viruses were the most frequently identified pathogens, present in the nasopharynx samples of 435 (58.86%) cases, followed by bacteria detected in 167 (22.60%) samples. Despite presenting negative mRDTs, P. falciparum was identified in samples of 24 (3.25%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This research provides a description of the aetiological causes of NMAFI in West African context. Evidence of viral infections were more commonly found than bacteria or parasites.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 2022 September 1; Volume 122; 215-221.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.039
Zheng Q, Luquero FJ, Ciglenecki I, Wamala JF, Abubakar A, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 2022 September 1; Volume 122; 215-221.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.039
BACKGROUND
Cholera remains a public health threat but is inequitably distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of standardized reporting and inconsistent outbreak definitions limit our understanding of cholera outbreak epidemiology.
METHODS
From a database of cholera incidence and mortality, we extracted data from sub-Saharan Africa and reconstructed outbreaks of suspected cholera starting in January 2010 to December 2019 based on location-specific average weekly incidence rate thresholds. We then described the distribution of key outbreak metrics.
RESULTS
We identified 999 suspected cholera outbreaks in 744 regions across 25 sub-Saharan African countries. The outbreak periods accounted for 1.8 billion person-months (2% of the total during this period) from January 2010 to January 2020. Among 692 outbreaks reported from second-level administrative units (e.g., districts), the median attack rate was 0.8 per 1000 people (interquartile range (IQR), 0.3-2.4 per 1000), the median epidemic duration was 13 weeks (IQR, 8-19), and the median early outbreak reproductive number was 1.8 (range, 1.1-3.5). Larger attack rates were associated with longer times to outbreak peak, longer epidemic durations, and lower case fatality risks.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a baseline from which the progress toward cholera control and essential statistics to inform outbreak management in sub-Saharan Africa can be monitored.
Cholera remains a public health threat but is inequitably distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of standardized reporting and inconsistent outbreak definitions limit our understanding of cholera outbreak epidemiology.
METHODS
From a database of cholera incidence and mortality, we extracted data from sub-Saharan Africa and reconstructed outbreaks of suspected cholera starting in January 2010 to December 2019 based on location-specific average weekly incidence rate thresholds. We then described the distribution of key outbreak metrics.
RESULTS
We identified 999 suspected cholera outbreaks in 744 regions across 25 sub-Saharan African countries. The outbreak periods accounted for 1.8 billion person-months (2% of the total during this period) from January 2010 to January 2020. Among 692 outbreaks reported from second-level administrative units (e.g., districts), the median attack rate was 0.8 per 1000 people (interquartile range (IQR), 0.3-2.4 per 1000), the median epidemic duration was 13 weeks (IQR, 8-19), and the median early outbreak reproductive number was 1.8 (range, 1.1-3.5). Larger attack rates were associated with longer times to outbreak peak, longer epidemic durations, and lower case fatality risks.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a baseline from which the progress toward cholera control and essential statistics to inform outbreak management in sub-Saharan Africa can be monitored.
Conference Material > Poster
Moreto-Planas L, Mahajan R, Sagrado MJ, Flevaud L, Gallo J, et al.
MSF Scientific Day International 2023. 2023 June 7; DOI:10.57740/0xmg-7p42
Conference Material > Video
Moreto-Planas L, Sagrado MJ, Mahajan R, Gallo J, Biague E, et al.
MSF Scientific Days International 2022. 2022 June 7; DOI:10.57740/50a1-ba02
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
BMJ Open. 2023 May 19; Volume 13 (Issue 5); e066937.; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066937
Moretó-Planas L, Sagrado MJ, Mahajan R, Gallo J, Biague E, et al.
BMJ Open. 2023 May 19; Volume 13 (Issue 5); e066937.; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066937
OBJECTIVE
Description of tuberculosis (TB)-focused point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings for children with presumptive TB.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study (July 2019 to April 2020).
SETTING
Simão Mendes hospital in Bissau, a setting with high TB, HIV, and malnutrition burdens.
PARTICIPANTS
Patients aged between 6 months and 15 years with presumptive TB.
INTERVENTIONS
Participants underwent clinical, laboratory and unblinded clinician-performed POCUS assessments, to assess subpleural nodules (SUNs), lung consolidation, pleural and pericardial effusion, abdominal lymphadenopathy, focal splenic and hepatic lesions and ascites. Presence of any sign prompted a POCUS positive result. Ultrasound images and clips were evaluated by expert reviewers and, in case of discordance, by a second reviewer. Children were categorised as confirmed TB (microbiological diagnosis), unconfirmed TB (clinical diagnosis) or unlikely TB. Ultrasound findings were analysed per TB category and risk factor: HIV co-infection, malnutrition and age.
RESULTS
A total of 139 children were enrolled, with 62 (45%) women and 55 (40%) aged <5 years; 83 (60%) and 59 (42%) were severely malnourished (SAM) and HIV-infected, respectively. TB confirmation occurred in 27 (19%); 62 (45%) had unconfirmed TB and 50 (36%) had unlikely TB. Children with TB were more likely to have POCUS-positive results (93%) compared with children with unlikely TB (34%). Common POCUS signs in patients with TB were: lung consolidation (57%), SUNs (55%) and pleural effusion (30%), and focal splenic lesions (28%). In children with confirmed TB, POCUS sensitivity was 85% (95% CI) (67.5% to 94.1%). In those with unlikely TB, specificity was 66% (95% CI 52.2% to 77.6%). Unlike HIV infection and age, SAM was associated with a higher POCUS-positivity. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for concordance between field and expert reviewers ranged from 0.6 to 0.9.
CONCLUSIONS
We found a high prevalence of POCUS signs in children with TB compared with children with unlikely TB. POCUS-positivity was dependent on nutritional status but not on HIV status or age. TB-focused POCUS could potentially play a supportive role in the diagnosis of TB in children.
Description of tuberculosis (TB)-focused point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings for children with presumptive TB.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study (July 2019 to April 2020).
SETTING
Simão Mendes hospital in Bissau, a setting with high TB, HIV, and malnutrition burdens.
PARTICIPANTS
Patients aged between 6 months and 15 years with presumptive TB.
INTERVENTIONS
Participants underwent clinical, laboratory and unblinded clinician-performed POCUS assessments, to assess subpleural nodules (SUNs), lung consolidation, pleural and pericardial effusion, abdominal lymphadenopathy, focal splenic and hepatic lesions and ascites. Presence of any sign prompted a POCUS positive result. Ultrasound images and clips were evaluated by expert reviewers and, in case of discordance, by a second reviewer. Children were categorised as confirmed TB (microbiological diagnosis), unconfirmed TB (clinical diagnosis) or unlikely TB. Ultrasound findings were analysed per TB category and risk factor: HIV co-infection, malnutrition and age.
RESULTS
A total of 139 children were enrolled, with 62 (45%) women and 55 (40%) aged <5 years; 83 (60%) and 59 (42%) were severely malnourished (SAM) and HIV-infected, respectively. TB confirmation occurred in 27 (19%); 62 (45%) had unconfirmed TB and 50 (36%) had unlikely TB. Children with TB were more likely to have POCUS-positive results (93%) compared with children with unlikely TB (34%). Common POCUS signs in patients with TB were: lung consolidation (57%), SUNs (55%) and pleural effusion (30%), and focal splenic lesions (28%). In children with confirmed TB, POCUS sensitivity was 85% (95% CI) (67.5% to 94.1%). In those with unlikely TB, specificity was 66% (95% CI 52.2% to 77.6%). Unlike HIV infection and age, SAM was associated with a higher POCUS-positivity. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for concordance between field and expert reviewers ranged from 0.6 to 0.9.
CONCLUSIONS
We found a high prevalence of POCUS signs in children with TB compared with children with unlikely TB. POCUS-positivity was dependent on nutritional status but not on HIV status or age. TB-focused POCUS could potentially play a supportive role in the diagnosis of TB in children.
Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
E Clinical Medicine. 2024 March 11; Volume 70; 102508.; DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102508
Ruef M, Emonet S, Merglen A, Dewez JE, Obama BM, et al.
E Clinical Medicine. 2024 March 11; Volume 70; 102508.; DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102508
BACKGROUND
The increasing resistance of Enterobacterales to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a major public health concern. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to estimate the carriage prevalence of Enterobacterales not susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins or carbapenems among paediatric populations in SSA.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and cohort studies to estimate the prevalence of childhood (0-18 years old) carriage of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCR-E) or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in SSA. Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published from 1 January 2005 to 1 June 2022. Studies with <10 occurrences per bacteria, case reports, and meta-analyses were excluded. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses of prevalences and odds ratios were calculated using generalised linear mixed-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. The protocol is available on PROSPERO (CRD42021260157).
FINDINGS
Of 1111 studies examined, 40 met our inclusion criteria, reporting on the carriage prevalence of Enterobacterales in 9408 children. The pooled carriage prevalence of ESCR-E was 32.2% (95% CI: 25.2%-40.2%). Between-study heterogeneity was high (I2 = 96%). The main sources of bias pertained to participant selection and the heterogeneity of the microbiological specimens. Carriage proportions were higher among sick children than healthy ones (35.7% vs 16.9%). The pooled proportion of nosocomial acquisition was 53.8% (95% CI: 32.1%-74.1%) among the 922 children without ESCR-E carriage at hospital admission. The pooled odds ratio of ESCR-E carriage after antibiotic treatment within the previous 3 months was 3.20 (95% CI: 2.10-4.88). The proportion of pooled carbapenem-resistant for Enterobacterales was 3.6% (95% CI: 0.7%-16.4%).
INTERPRETATION
This study suggests that ESCR-E carriage among children in SSA is frequent. Microbiology capacity and infection control must be scaled-up to reduce the spread of those multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
The increasing resistance of Enterobacterales to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a major public health concern. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to estimate the carriage prevalence of Enterobacterales not susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins or carbapenems among paediatric populations in SSA.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and cohort studies to estimate the prevalence of childhood (0-18 years old) carriage of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCR-E) or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in SSA. Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published from 1 January 2005 to 1 June 2022. Studies with <10 occurrences per bacteria, case reports, and meta-analyses were excluded. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses of prevalences and odds ratios were calculated using generalised linear mixed-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. The protocol is available on PROSPERO (CRD42021260157).
FINDINGS
Of 1111 studies examined, 40 met our inclusion criteria, reporting on the carriage prevalence of Enterobacterales in 9408 children. The pooled carriage prevalence of ESCR-E was 32.2% (95% CI: 25.2%-40.2%). Between-study heterogeneity was high (I2 = 96%). The main sources of bias pertained to participant selection and the heterogeneity of the microbiological specimens. Carriage proportions were higher among sick children than healthy ones (35.7% vs 16.9%). The pooled proportion of nosocomial acquisition was 53.8% (95% CI: 32.1%-74.1%) among the 922 children without ESCR-E carriage at hospital admission. The pooled odds ratio of ESCR-E carriage after antibiotic treatment within the previous 3 months was 3.20 (95% CI: 2.10-4.88). The proportion of pooled carbapenem-resistant for Enterobacterales was 3.6% (95% CI: 0.7%-16.4%).
INTERPRETATION
This study suggests that ESCR-E carriage among children in SSA is frequent. Microbiology capacity and infection control must be scaled-up to reduce the spread of those multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Nutr. 2023 February 3; Volume 26 (Issue 4); 803-819.; DOI:10.1017/S136898002300023X
Khara T, Myatt M, Sadler K, Bahwere P, Berkley JA, et al.
Public Health Nutr. 2023 February 3; Volume 26 (Issue 4); 803-819.; DOI:10.1017/S136898002300023X
OBJECTIVE
To understand which anthropometric diagnostic criteria best discriminate higher from lower risk of death in children and explore programme implications.
DESIGN
A multiple cohort individual data meta-analysis of mortality risk (within 6 months of measurement) by anthropometric case definitions. Sensitivity, specificity, informedness and inclusivity in predicting mortality, face validity and compatibility with current standards and practice were assessed and operational consequences were modelled.
SETTING
Community-based cohort studies in twelve low-income countries between 1977 and 2013 in settings where treatment of wasting was not widespread.
PARTICIPANTS
Children aged 6 to 59 months.
RESULTS
Of the twelve anthropometric case definitions examined, four (weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) <−2), (mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) <125 mm), (MUAC < 115 mm or WAZ < −3) and (WAZ < −3) had the highest informedness in predicting mortality. A combined case definition (MUAC < 115 mm or WAZ < −3) was better at predicting deaths associated with weight-for-height Z-score <−3 and concurrent wasting and stunting (WaSt) than the single WAZ < −3 case definition. After the assessment of all criteria, the combined case definition performed best. The simulated workload for programmes admitting based on MUAC < 115 mm or WAZ < −3, when adjusted with a proxy for required intensity and/or duration of treatment, was 1·87 times larger than programmes admitting on MUAC < 115 mm alone.
CONCLUSIONS
A combined case definition detects nearly all deaths associated with severe anthropometric deficits suggesting that therapeutic feeding programmes may achieve higher impact (prevent mortality and improve coverage) by using it. There remain operational questions to examine further before wide-scale adoption can be recommended.
To understand which anthropometric diagnostic criteria best discriminate higher from lower risk of death in children and explore programme implications.
DESIGN
A multiple cohort individual data meta-analysis of mortality risk (within 6 months of measurement) by anthropometric case definitions. Sensitivity, specificity, informedness and inclusivity in predicting mortality, face validity and compatibility with current standards and practice were assessed and operational consequences were modelled.
SETTING
Community-based cohort studies in twelve low-income countries between 1977 and 2013 in settings where treatment of wasting was not widespread.
PARTICIPANTS
Children aged 6 to 59 months.
RESULTS
Of the twelve anthropometric case definitions examined, four (weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) <−2), (mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) <125 mm), (MUAC < 115 mm or WAZ < −3) and (WAZ < −3) had the highest informedness in predicting mortality. A combined case definition (MUAC < 115 mm or WAZ < −3) was better at predicting deaths associated with weight-for-height Z-score <−3 and concurrent wasting and stunting (WaSt) than the single WAZ < −3 case definition. After the assessment of all criteria, the combined case definition performed best. The simulated workload for programmes admitting based on MUAC < 115 mm or WAZ < −3, when adjusted with a proxy for required intensity and/or duration of treatment, was 1·87 times larger than programmes admitting on MUAC < 115 mm alone.
CONCLUSIONS
A combined case definition detects nearly all deaths associated with severe anthropometric deficits suggesting that therapeutic feeding programmes may achieve higher impact (prevent mortality and improve coverage) by using it. There remain operational questions to examine further before wide-scale adoption can be recommended.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 2011 May 4; Volume 6 (Issue 5); e19005.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0019005
Luquero FJ, Na Banga C, Remartinez D, Palma PP, Baron E, et al.
PLOS One. 2011 May 4; Volume 6 (Issue 5); e19005.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0019005
BACKGROUND
As resources are limited when responding to cholera outbreaks, knowledge about where to orient interventions is crucial. We describe the cholera epidemic affecting Guinea-Bissau in 2008 focusing on the geographical spread in order to guide prevention and control activities.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We conducted two studies: 1) a descriptive analysis of the cholera epidemic in Guinea-Bissau focusing on its geographical spread (country level and within the capital); and 2) a cross-sectional study to measure the prevalence of houses with at least one cholera case in the most affected neighbourhood of the capital (Bairro Bandim) to detect clustering of households with cases (cluster analysis). All cholera cases attending the cholera treatment centres in Guinea-Bissau who fulfilled a modified World Health Organization clinical case definition during the epidemic were included in the descriptive study. For the cluster analysis, a sample of houses was selected from a satellite photo (Google Earth TM ); 140 houses (and the four closest houses) were assessed from the 2,202 identified structures. We applied K-functions and Kernel smoothing to detect clustering. We confirmed the clustering using Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistic. A total of 14,222 cases and 225 deaths were reported in the country (AR = 0.94%, CFR = 1.64%). The more affected regions were Biombo, Bijagos and Bissau (the capital). Bairro Bandim was the most affected neighborhood of the capital (AR = 4.0). We found at
least one case in 22.7% of the houses (95%CI: 19.5–26.2) in this neighborhood. The cluster analysis identified two areas within Bairro Bandim at highest risk: a market and an intersection where runoff accumulates waste (p,0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis allowed for the identification of the most affected regions in Guinea-Bissau during the 2008 cholera outbreak, and the most affected areas within the capital. This information was essential for making decisions on where to reinforce treatment and to guide control and prevention activities
As resources are limited when responding to cholera outbreaks, knowledge about where to orient interventions is crucial. We describe the cholera epidemic affecting Guinea-Bissau in 2008 focusing on the geographical spread in order to guide prevention and control activities.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We conducted two studies: 1) a descriptive analysis of the cholera epidemic in Guinea-Bissau focusing on its geographical spread (country level and within the capital); and 2) a cross-sectional study to measure the prevalence of houses with at least one cholera case in the most affected neighbourhood of the capital (Bairro Bandim) to detect clustering of households with cases (cluster analysis). All cholera cases attending the cholera treatment centres in Guinea-Bissau who fulfilled a modified World Health Organization clinical case definition during the epidemic were included in the descriptive study. For the cluster analysis, a sample of houses was selected from a satellite photo (Google Earth TM ); 140 houses (and the four closest houses) were assessed from the 2,202 identified structures. We applied K-functions and Kernel smoothing to detect clustering. We confirmed the clustering using Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistic. A total of 14,222 cases and 225 deaths were reported in the country (AR = 0.94%, CFR = 1.64%). The more affected regions were Biombo, Bijagos and Bissau (the capital). Bairro Bandim was the most affected neighborhood of the capital (AR = 4.0). We found at
least one case in 22.7% of the houses (95%CI: 19.5–26.2) in this neighborhood. The cluster analysis identified two areas within Bairro Bandim at highest risk: a market and an intersection where runoff accumulates waste (p,0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis allowed for the identification of the most affected regions in Guinea-Bissau during the 2008 cholera outbreak, and the most affected areas within the capital. This information was essential for making decisions on where to reinforce treatment and to guide control and prevention activities
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Nutr. 2023 June 1; Volume 26 (Issue 6); 1210-1221.; DOI:10.1017/S1368980023000149
Briend A, Myatt M, Berkley JA, Black RE, Boyd EM, et al.
Public Health Nutr. 2023 June 1; Volume 26 (Issue 6); 1210-1221.; DOI:10.1017/S1368980023000149
OBJECTIVE
To compare the prognostic value of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) for predicting death over periods of 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up in children.
DESIGN
Pooled analysis of twelve prospective studies examining survival after anthropometric assessment. Sensitivity and false-positive ratios to predict death within 1, 3 and 6 months were compared for three individual anthropometric indices and their combinations.
SETTING
Community-based, prospective studies from twelve countries in Africa and Asia.
PARTICIPANTS
Children aged 6–59 months living in the study areas.
RESULTS
For all anthropometric indices, the receiver operating characteristic curves were higher for shorter than for longer durations of follow-up. Sensitivity was higher for death with 1-month follow-up compared with 6 months by 49 % (95 % CI (30, 69)) for MUAC < 115 mm (P < 0·001), 48 % (95 % CI (9·4, 87)) for WHZ < -3 (P < 0·01) and 28 % (95 % CI (7·6, 42)) for WAZ < -3 (P < 0·005). This was accompanied by an increase in false positives of only 3 % or less. For all durations of follow-up, WAZ < -3 identified more children who died and were not identified by WHZ < -3 or by MUAC < 115 mm, 120 mm or 125 mm, but the use of WAZ < -3 led to an increased false-positive ratio up to 16·4 % (95 % CI (12·0, 20·9)) compared with 3·5 % (95 % CI (0·4, 6·5)) for MUAC < 115 mm alone.
CONCLUSIONS
Frequent anthropometric measurements significantly improve the identification of malnourished children with a high risk of death without markedly increasing false positives. Combining two indices increases sensitivity but also increases false positives among children meeting case definitions.
To compare the prognostic value of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) for predicting death over periods of 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up in children.
DESIGN
Pooled analysis of twelve prospective studies examining survival after anthropometric assessment. Sensitivity and false-positive ratios to predict death within 1, 3 and 6 months were compared for three individual anthropometric indices and their combinations.
SETTING
Community-based, prospective studies from twelve countries in Africa and Asia.
PARTICIPANTS
Children aged 6–59 months living in the study areas.
RESULTS
For all anthropometric indices, the receiver operating characteristic curves were higher for shorter than for longer durations of follow-up. Sensitivity was higher for death with 1-month follow-up compared with 6 months by 49 % (95 % CI (30, 69)) for MUAC < 115 mm (P < 0·001), 48 % (95 % CI (9·4, 87)) for WHZ < -3 (P < 0·01) and 28 % (95 % CI (7·6, 42)) for WAZ < -3 (P < 0·005). This was accompanied by an increase in false positives of only 3 % or less. For all durations of follow-up, WAZ < -3 identified more children who died and were not identified by WHZ < -3 or by MUAC < 115 mm, 120 mm or 125 mm, but the use of WAZ < -3 led to an increased false-positive ratio up to 16·4 % (95 % CI (12·0, 20·9)) compared with 3·5 % (95 % CI (0·4, 6·5)) for MUAC < 115 mm alone.
CONCLUSIONS
Frequent anthropometric measurements significantly improve the identification of malnourished children with a high risk of death without markedly increasing false positives. Combining two indices increases sensitivity but also increases false positives among children meeting case definitions.
Conference Material > Slide Presentation
Moreto-Planas L, Sagrado MJ, Mahajan R, Gallo J, Biague E, et al.
MSF Scientific Days International 2022. 2022 May 11; DOI:10.57740/mpdr-x060