Dramaix M, Hennart P, Mudjene O, Smets R, Donnen P, Tonglet R, Brasseur D
Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgique.
Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique. 1993;41(2):131-8.
From 1986 to 1988, 1,129 children were hospitalized in Lwiro (South-Kivu, Zaïre) 3/4 of which were severely malnourished. Anthropometric, clinical and biological indicators were measured at admission. Observed mortality rate was 17.4%. Survival curves differ significantly for each anthropometric parameter measured at inclusion. In multivariate analysis, weight for age calculated with local reference or arm circumference is significantly associated with survival. The addition of serum albumin concentration to the multivariate model, shows this variable to be important. However, the use of an anthropometric indicator, such as weight for age or arm circumference is still important because it maintains an independent and significant effect on survival.
