Management of protein-energy malnutrition in Nigeria: an evaluation of the regimen at the Kersey Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, Nigeria.

An evaluation of the performance of the Kersey Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre in Nigeria was undertaken with particular focus on mortality, rate of weight gain, and the management strategy. During 1987-1991 the total number of admissions for protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) was 803. The age group most commonly represented were those aged 12-29 months. Kwashiorkor cases formed the largest proportion of admissions (66%). Marasmic cases consistently predominated among children aged < 18 months. Average mortality was 22% during the 5 years. Mortality among oedematous patients was 25% compared with 15% among marasmic cases. The rate of weight gain averaged 7 g/kg/d for marasmic and marasmic-kwashiorkor cases and 6 g/kg/d for kwashiorkor cases. Specific recommendations are made to improve case-management, focusing particularly on the prevention of deaths in the first few days after admission.