 |
Indian Pediatrics 1999;36: 1293 |
Book Review |
| Management of Severe Malnutrition: A
Manual for Physicians and Other Senior Health Workers. World Health Organization, Geneva,
1999. Price: Sw. fr. 23; Developing countries: Sw.fr. 16.10, pages 60. 15BN 92 4 1545119.
Are you aware of `Kangaroo Technique' (Hypothermia management), ReSoMal ORS solution and two formula diets (F-75; F-100) utilized in malnourished children? Do not become perplexed, this nine chapters manual of World Health Organization would throw much light on it and deals on the management of severe malnutrition and associated complica-tions. Timely, time management concepts are incorporated in treating the child. In chapter VII, criteria for primary failure and secondary failure to respond to treatment have been described in a practical manner. Also, useful guidelines are provided to tackle dehydration and septic shock with malnutrition, dermatosis of kwashiorkar, severe anemia, clinical Vitamin A deficiency and bacterial infections in malnourished children. Malnutrition crisis is on increase during disasters, in refugee camps, adolescents and adults. The manual highlights certain practical measures for these situations. Also "toys for severely malnourished children" and sample curriculum for play therapy are an additional feature of the book. A few valuable tips for teaching parents on `How to prevent malnutrition from recurring'? are given due importance. Practical hints on nutritional rehabilitation and emotional and physical stimulation form a vital component of the principles of management and this aspect is discussed suitably. Since malnutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide, successful management of the severly malnourished and averting untoward consequences is the sole responsibility of well informed physicians and para-medial workers. Other than few institutes and teaching organizations, evidence based management of children with severe mal-nutrition is generally not practiced. Hence, this practical manual will be of great benefit for health professionals, physicians and concerned voluntary organization personnel involved in management of severe malnutrition. M. Sundar, |
