Edema in pregnancy is very common, and unrelated to malnutrition. I would use arm circumference to assess pregnant women for malnutrition. Edema in younger infants is rare and should be taken as serious sign of illness, including severe malnutrition. This finding is rare. If it happens in the context of cessation of breast feeding or mother becoming ill and unable to breast I would be very suspicious that it is severe acute malnutrition.

Maybe this document could provide some more information. WHO child growth standards and the identification of severe acute malnutrition in infants and children. Retrieved from the link below: [url]http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/severemalnutrition/9789241598163_eng.pdf[/url]

Hi Yes edema in infants in rare but depends on the context. I am currently analyzing from a 2 years review ( 2011-2012) of SAM management in infants less than six month of age in 8 main hospitals in Niger. edema accounts for about 6-7% of total admissions of these children. however prevalence in community should be much lower.

There are a few of causes of bilateral pitting oedema in children, and they should be considered according to the context. Since fluid collection is gravity dependent and infants < 6 months will not be able to sit up unaided the fluid may collect in other places, but may be most obvious in the lower limbs. Causes other than malnutrition that may be seen are: 1) Heart failure e.g. congenital heart disease 2) Anaemia 3) Nephrotic syndrome These can be differentiated using clinical examination / haemocue / urine dipstick. Although they can co-exist with malnutrition. In premature neonates there can also be a benign bilateral pitting oedema, once other causes have been excluded. However, generally speaking, bilateral pitting oedema in children should never be considered 'benign' or a normal finding, and all the possible causes should be considered. In addition, if the cause is nutritional, then monitoring the oedema is a good clinical marker of progress. The child's weight is not reliable since the water of the oedema will add artificial weight to the child.

Hello Dear all

I wanted to know if there is anyone who can have information on upcoming training on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) including adaptation on COVID-19 for nutrition advisers / program managers of organizations working in the French speaking region first and / or English speaking second.

Emmanuel