Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Solid Organ Sizes in Children with Primary Malnutrition: A Preliminary Study.

Malnutrition is a common health problem affecting overall body functions, growth, and development. The aim of the present study was to explore any potential changes in solid organ sizes due to malnutrition and, if so, their correlation with the degree of malnutrition. Solid organ sizes (liver, spleen, and kidneys) in patients with primary malnutrition were measured prospectively using ultrasonography. A correlation was observed between changes in liver, spleen, and kidney sizes and left kidney parenchymal thickness and the degree of malnutrition in patients. The presence and degree of malnutrition were directly proportional to significant decreases in organ sizes. The present study is the first to reveal a positive correlation between anthropometric measurement Z scores and organ sizes.