Effectiveness of an Alternative Protocol in the Management of Acute Malnutrition

Launched by INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE EN SCIENCES DE LA SANTE, BURKINA FASO · Jan 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to treat acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in Burkina Faso. The study will compare two alternative methods: one for children with moderate acute malnutrition, using a special food called RUTF (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food) instead of RUSF (Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food), and another for children with severe acute malnutrition, using a smaller dose of RUTF instead of the usual full dose. The goal is to see if these new methods are just as effective as the standard treatments while also being more cost-effective and helping with the children's growth and development.

To participate in this trial, children must meet specific criteria, such as having certain measurements that indicate malnutrition. Parents should be willing to bring their child for regular visits—biweekly for moderate cases and weekly for severe cases—until the child recovers and for follow-ups afterward. The study will not include children with serious medical issues, allergies to certain foods, or those who have recently participated in a nutrition program. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable information on improving care for children facing malnutrition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • 1. MAM
• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Anthropometric measures:
• • (115 mm ≤ MUAC\< 125 mm and -3 SDs ≤ WLZ \< -2 SDs) OR
• • (115 mm ≤ MUAC\< 125 mm and WLZ ≥ -2 SDs) OR
• • (MUAC ≥ 125 mm and -3 SDs ≤ WLZ \< -2 SDs).
• • Age: 6 to 59 months
• • Parents' acceptance of biweekly visits until programme discharge and monthly visits for the post-programme follow up
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Failure of appetite test
• • Medical complications requiring hospital treatment
• • Presence of any congenital anomaly or underlying chronic disease that may affect growth or the risk of infection
• • Presence of bilateral oedema
• • History of allergies to peanuts, milk, or soya
• • Relapse from MAM treatment or transfer from SAM treatment
• • Children who have recently (\<2 months) taken part in a nutrition programme;
• • Residence outside the study area
• • Mother or caregivers deemed unable to comply with the necessary requirements of the study (particular medical condition of the mother or caregivers, etc.)
• • 2. SAM
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Anthropometric measures MUAC\< 115 mm or WLZ\< - 3 SDs;
• • Age: 6-59 months;
• • Parents' acceptance of weekly visits until programme discharge and monthly visits for the post-programme follow up.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Failure of appetite test
• • Medical complications requiring hospital treatment
• • Presence of any congenital anomaly or underlying chronic disease that may affect growth or the risk of infection
• • Presence of bilateral oedema
• • History of allergies to peanuts, milk or soya
• • Relapse from MAM treatment or transfer from SAM treatment
• • Children who have recently (\<2 months) taken part in a nutrition programme;
• • Residence outside the study area;
• • Mother or caregivers deemed unable to comply with the necessary requirements of the study (particular medical condition of the mother or caregivers, etc.)