E44.0
DESCRIPTION
Children and infants older than 6 months who have either:
- A WHZ-score between -2 and -3.
- MUAC between 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm.
- No pitting oedema or SAM danger signs.
- Good appetite.
All cases require careful assessment for possible TB or HIV.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Provide ready to use therapeutic food (RTUF) and/or other nutritional supplements according to supplementation guidelines.
- Counsel according to IMCI guidelines.
- Follow-up frequently to ensure that the child gains weight and remains well.
- Discharge with supplementation, once the following criteria are met:
- WHZ (weight-for-height z-score): > -2 WHZ for two consecutive visits at least one month apart and/or
- MUAC: > 11.5 cm (preferably at 12 cm, if MUAC used alone).
- Follow patients for at least 6 months to ensure sustained growth.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Do not repeat if child has received these during inpatient stay:
Give an additional dose of Vitamin A :
- Vitamin A (retinol), oral.
| Age range |
Dose Units |
Capsule 100 000 IU |
Capsule 200 000 IU |
| Infants 6–11 months | 100 000 | 1 capsule | - |
| Children 12 months–5 years | 200 000 | 2 capsules | 1 capsule |
- Multivitamin, oral, daily.
Empiric treatment for worms:
- Mebendazole, oral.
- Children 1–2 years: 100 mg 12 hourly for 3 days.
- Children > 2–5 years: 500 mg as a single dose.
OR
- Albendazole oral, single dose.
- Children 1–2 years: 200 mg as a single dose.
- Children ≥ 2 years and adults: 400 mg as a single dose.
Referral
- No response to treatment.
- All children other than those with insufficient food intake (If there is inadequate food intake, refer to a social worker, if available).
- Severe malnutrition.