Early Detection and Referral of Children with Malnutrition

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Recognition, Detection and Referral of Micronutrient Deficiencies

Clinical Signs of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Vitamin A Deficiency and Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Source: Sphere Project

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Pale conjunctivae (inner eyelid), nailbeds, gums, tongue, lips and skin   Tiredness   Headaches   Breathlessness

Iodine Deficiency Disorders - Goitre and Cretinism

Goitre:

Grade 0: No palpable (can't feel) or visibly enlarged thyroid.   Grade 1:A palpable but not visibly enlarged thyroid with neck in normal position.   Grade 2: A palpably and visibly enlarged thyroid with neck in normal position.

Cretinism:

Neurological cretinism:   Mental deficiency   Deaf mutism   Spasticity   Ataxia (lack of muscular coordination)   Hypothyroid cretinism:   Dwarfism   Hypothyroidism

Vitamin A Deficiency - Xerophthalmia

• Night blindness
   
• Eye dryness accompanied by foamy accumulations on the conjunctiva (inner eyelids), that often appear near the outer edge of the iris (Bitot's spots)
   
• Eye dryness, dullness or clouding (milky appearance) of the cornea (corneal xerosis)
   
• Eye softening and ulceration of the cornea (keratomalacia). This is sometimes followed by perforation of the cornea, which leads to the loss of eye contents and permanent blindness.

Bitot's spots

Corneal ulceration (Keratomalacia)

Images from:
The Sphere Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response: Nutrition Training Modules 2004

Nutrition Module Session 6: Handout 1a
Revolving MDDs - Question and Answer Form

29 September, 2011