TITLE:
Hematological and Biochemical Profile of Severely Acutely Malnourished Children Aged 6 to 59 Months upon Admission to the CRINE, Regional Hospital of N’Zerekore, Guinea
AUTHORS:
Marie Finda Ouendeno, Mory Sangaré, Moïse Kagbadouno
KEYWORDS:
Severe Acute Malnutrition, Anemia, Hematological Parameters, Biochemical Parameters, Children Under Five Years of Age
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Malnutrition is a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries where it affects children’s growth and development. In Guinea, the high prevalence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is frequently accompanied by anemia, exacerbating child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological and biochemical profiles associated with anemia in malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months admitted to the Center for Rehabilitation and Internal Nutritional Education (CRINE) at the regional hospital of N’Zerekore. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2024 on 49 severely malnourished children. Anthropometric, hematological (hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets), and biochemical (blood glucose, ALT and AST transaminases, creatinine) data were collected and analyzed using Mindray BC-30S and BS-230 automated analyzers. The values were compared to WHO reference standards, and statistical correlations were established at a significance threshold of p Results: Of the 49 children studied, 53% were girls and 47% were boys, with a predominance of the 12–23 months age group. Mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly below normal (p Conclusion: Severe acute malnutrition is accompanied by marked hematological and biochemical disorders, indicating anemia and possible liver damage. These findings underscore the need for integrated nutritional and medical care, including regular biological monitoring and the promotion of a diversified diet from weaning onwards, in order to reduce morbidity related to child undernutrition in Guinea.