Modified Dosage for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MODAM-MAM)

Launched by ACTION AGAINST HUNGER USA · Sep 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Modified Dosage for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MODAM-MAM) trial is studying new ways to treat children with moderate acute malnutrition, a condition where kids are not getting enough nutrients but are not severely ill. This research aims to make treatment simpler and more accessible, as many children still do not receive care due to complicated protocols and supply issues. The trial will test two new treatment methods using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) against the current treatment, which uses a different type of food called ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF).

To be eligible for this trial, children must be between 6 months and 5 years old, live near the health post conducting the study, and have moderate acute malnutrition without any serious illnesses. They also need to pass an appetite test and have specific measurements related to their arm size and weight. Families who agree to participate will help find out which treatment works best, and they will receive support throughout the process. It's important to note that children with severe malnutrition or other serious health conditions will not be part of this study. This trial aims to improve how we manage malnutrition in communities, helping more children get the care they need.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 6-59 months
• • 2. Reside in the catchment area of the health post where the trial is to be conducted without plans to leave the area over the next year
• • 3. Uncomplicated moderate acute malnutrition, as defined by no signs of severe illness that would require referral to inpatient facility
• • 4. Pass appetite test conducted at the time of enrollment
• • 5. Consent for randomization into the study given by mother, father, and/or other primary caregiver
• • 6. Mid-upper arm circumference of 115-124 mm without nutritional edema
• • 7. Weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) between -2 and -3
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Complicated acute malnutrition with severe illness requiring transfer to a stabilization center or hospital for treatment. This includes, but is not limited to: a. Hypothermia b. High fever c. Signs of hypoglycemia d. Lethargy or altered mental status e. Moderate to severe dehydration f. Shock g. Other medical complications requiring hospitalization or higher-level medical evaluation
• • 2. Treatment for acute malnutrition, either as an inpatient or outpatient, within the past 3 months
• • 3. Known chronic medical illness such as severe cerebral palsy, severe congenital anomalies such as unrepaired congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, unrepaired cleft lip or palate, or other conditions that would be expected to contribute to difficulty feeding the prescribed amounts of therapeutic or supplementary food