TITLE:
Biological Abnormalities in Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 1 to 59 Months at the National Hospital of Niamey in 2024
AUTHORS:
Samaila Aboubacar, Kamaye Moumouni, Garba Moumouni, Georges Thomas Ibrahim, Mamoudou Abdou Djafar, Zakari Nadia, Moussa Nanaito Nafissatou, Djibrilla Almoustapha Amadou, Malam Abdou Bade
KEYWORDS:
Severe Acute Malnutrition, Anemia, Hypoglycemia, Hyponatremia, Niger
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Blood Diseases,
Vol.16 No.1,
February
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Severe Acute Malnutrition remains a major public health problem among children under 5 years in Niger. The objective of this work was to study biological abnormalities in Severe Acute Malnutrition at the National Hospital of Niamey. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from January 2023 to December 2024 at the National Hospital of Niamey. The study covered children aged 1 to 59 months admitted for Severe Acute Malnutrition. The variables studied were related to blood count abnormalities, blood ionogram disturbances, and microbiological abnormalities. Data analysis was performed using Sphinx Plus Version 5.0 software. Results: Of 5439 children hospitalized, 300 children (5.5%) with Severe Acute Malnutrition were recorded. The mean age of patients was 14.48 months ± 9.08 [1 - 59 months]. Fever (79.3%) and diarrhea (72.7%) were observed. Blood count analysis showed anemia in 97.3% of patients. Moderate anemia was present in 51.4% of cases and severe anemia in 29.8% of patients. In white blood cell count, hyperleukocytosis was found in 63.7%. Thrombocytosis was found in 25.7%. Blood ionogram abnormalities included hyponatremia (62.9%) and hypokalemia (50.6%). Hypoglycemia was present in 66% of patients. Urinalysis was positive in 36% of cases. The main germ found was Escherichia coli in 5.3%. Stool culture was positive in two (2) patients. Conclusion: Blood count abnormalities such as anemia, hyperleukocytosis, and thrombocytosis are frequent. Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia are also common. Biological disturbances must be systematically screened for the adequate management of the patients.