Publication:

Comparison of plasma calcium, albumin, and total cholesterol in severely malnourished vs. healthy children in Bangladesh: a case-control study

Background Malnutrition poses a significant threat to the health and development of children in developing countries. The purpose of the study was to compare plasma calcium, albumin, and total cholesterol levels between severely malnourished and healthy children in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to compare plasma calcium, albumin, and total cholesterol levels between severely malnourished and healthy children in Bangladesh.

Methods This cross-sectional study included 120 subjects, consisting of 60 severely malnourished children aged 18 months to 5 years in Group I (Case) and 60 healthy children in Group II (Control), conducted at Mymensingh Medical College & Community Based Medical College Bangladesh from July 2008 to June 2009. Serum calcium, albumin, and total cholesterol levels were measured and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, applying descriptive statistics and Student’s unpaired t-test for group comparisons.

Results In this study, Group I (severely malnourished children) had a significantly lower mean weight (10.70±2.20 kg) compared to Group II (healthy children) at 14.30±2.30 kg (p<0.001). Group I also exhibited significantly lower serum calcium (7.3±1.5 mg/dl vs. 8.6±0.55 mg/dl; p<0.001), albumin (3.1±0.32 g/dl vs. 4.5±0.22 g/dl; p<0.001), and cholesterol levels (117.0±17.0 mg/dl vs. 127.0±17.6 mg/dl; p = 0.004).

Conclusions The study found significantly lower levels of plasma calcium, albumin, and total cholesterol in severely malnourished children compared to healthy controls, indicating critical nutritional deficiencies that require targeted interventions.