Protein-Energy Malnutrition Problem Among Children in Uzbekistan

Abstract

Protein-energy malnutrition is a common childhood disorder and is primarily caused by deficiency of energy, protein, and micronutrients. Materials and Methods. In accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice, a single-center, non-comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. The study included 85 children scheduled for medium- or large-scale surgical intervention in the surgical department of the National Children’s Medical Center and the clinic of Tashkent State Medical University. Inclusion Criteria: children of both sexes aged from 1 month to 8 years. Results. We studied the level of albumin and prealbumin in the blood serum. Prealbumin is a small protein which has been widely evaluated as a nutritional and a prognostic marker. The small size and concentration of prealbumin in blood proposes challenges on measuring it with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion. Thus, adequate correction of nutritional disorders underlies normal growth and development rates of a child, supports learning ability and determines the resistance of a child's body to unfavorable environmental factors. Nutritional support of children is an integral factor in maintaining health and improving the quality of life.