Nutritional profile and factors associaed with low body weight and reduction of food intake in hospitalized children

The evaluation of nutritional status in hospitalized children plays a critical role in the early identification of nutritional risk. Thus, it is of great importance to identify variables that have an impact on nutritional status and acceptance of food in the hospital environment. The objective of this work to evaluate the nutritional status of hospitalized children, the variables that influence the nutritional diagnosis and food intake during hospitalization. Nutritional status was evaluated by measurement of weight, length / height, body mass index and anthropometric indices. The biochemical evaluation was performed based on the information available in the medical record. Socioeconomic, dietary and breastfeeding data and, evaluation of the acceptance of meals offered were obtained through a questionnaire to the responsable for the children. The study included 208 children, predominantly male (61.5%) and median age of 21.5 (6-59) months. In relation to nutritional status, 80% of children were classified eutrophic, 10% were thinness and 10% overweight. Children with low weight had more cases of lymphocytopenia (p = 0.038) and were also those who had shorter time of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.015). Children with elevated concentrations of PCR and leukocytes showed low acceptance of the offered diet (p = 0.034 and p = 0.040, respectively). Factors associated with low weight and lower acceptance of meals by children were identified. Particular attention should be given to children with altered inflammatory status and shorter time of exclusive breastfeeding.