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Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children With Excess Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Author(s) -
Costa Caroline Abud Drumond,
Mattiello Rita,
Forte Gabriele Carra,
Andrades Gabriela Rupp Hanzen,
Crestani Francielly,
Dalenogare Izadora Petruk,
Einloft Paulo Roberto,
Bruno Francisco,
Tonial Cristian Tedesco,
Garcia Pedro Celiny Ramos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1002/ncp.10541
Subject(s) - medicine , underweight , overweight , retrospective cohort study , body mass index , pediatrics , cohort , cohort study , intensive care medicine
Background Because of its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and longevity, overweight in childhood and adolescence is a major public health concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether excess weight is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Method This retrospective cohort study was performed with children and adolescents admitted to a PICU over 3 years. Nutrition status was classified based on the body mass index z‐ score for age, following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The following outcomes were assessed: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of admission, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Results Of 1468 patients admitted during the study period, 1407 were included in the study: 956 (68.0%) had adequate weight, 228 (16.2%) were overweight, and 223 (15.8%) were underweight. Associations were detected between most variables and all nutrition categories (underweight, adequate weight, and overweight). In the descriptive analysis, mortality was more prevalent in nutrition status extremes (extremely underweight or overweight). An independent association between nutrition status and mortality was not detected in any category. Conclusion Nutrition status was not independently associated with poor outcomes. However, overweight should be considered a potential risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in PICU admissions.