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Anthropometric criteria for best identifying children at high risk of mortality: a pooled analysis of 12 cohorts.

Khara T Myatt M Sadler K Bahwere P Berkley JA Black RE Boyd E Garenne M Isanaka S Lelijveld N McDonald C Mertens A Mwangome M O'Brien K Stobaugh H Taneja S West KP Briend A
Public health nutrition 2023 Feb 03; . doi: 10.1017/S136898002300023X. Epub 2023 02 03
Anthropometry Child survival Mid-upper arm circumference Mortality Therapeutic feeding Underweight Wasting, Stunting

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To understand which anthropometric diagnostic criteria best discriminate higher from lower risk of death in children and explore programme implications.

DESIGN: A multiple cohort individual data meta-analysis of mortality risk (within six months of measurement) by anthropometric case definitions. Sensitivity, specificity, informedness and inclusivity in predicting mortality, face validity and compatibility with current standards and practice were assessed and operational consequences modelled.

SETTING: Community-based cohort studies in 12 low-income countries between 1977 and 2013 in settings where treatment of wasting was not widespread.

PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 6 to 59 months.

RESULTS: Of the 12 anthropometric case definitions, four (weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ)

CONCLUSIONS: A combined case definition detects nearly all deaths associated with severe anthropometric deficits suggesting that therapeutic feeding programmes may achieve higher impact (prevent mortality and improve coverage) by using it. There remain operational questions to examine further before wide-scale adoption can be recommended.

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