PROGNOSTIC NUTRITIONAL INDICATORS OF MORTALITY FOR HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN IN KIVU

From 1986 to 1988, 1 129 children were hospitalized in Lwiro (South-Ki vu, Zaire) 3/4 of which were severely malnourished. Anthropometric, cl inical and biological indicators were measured at admission. Observed mortality rate was 17,4 %. Survival curves differ significantly for ea ch anthropometric parameter measured at inclusion. In multivariate ana lysis, weight for age calculated with local reference or arm circumfer ence is significantly associated with survival. The addition of serum albumin concentration to the multivariate model, shows this variable t o be important. However, the use of an anthropometric indicator, such as weight for age or arm circumference is still important because it m aintains an independent and significant effect on survival.