Project overview
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcemia in 100 under-five children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admitted to a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Hypocalcemia, defined as serum calcium <2.12 mmol/L, was found in 49% of participants. While anthropometric measures such as mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight-for-age (WAZ), and length-for-age (LAZ) did not significantly differ between hypocalcemic and non-hypocalcemic groups, weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ) were notably lower in the hypocalcemic group. Significant biochemical associations included lower serum phosphate on day 5, reduced vitamin D levels, higher chloride levels, and lower alkaline phosphatase levels in hypocalcemic children. Vitamin D deficiency emerged as a strong predictor of hypocalcemia. The study highlights the importance of routine calcium and vitamin D screening in SAM management, as anthropometric measures alone may not detect biochemical abnormalities.
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