Malnutrition (Undernutrition) Clinical Pathway — Inpatient
Malnutrition (Undernutrition) Clinical Pathway — Inpatient
Learn more about Population Exclusions
- The Z-scores used in diagnosing malnutrition are based on the WHO (0 to 24 months) and CDC (2 to 20 years) growth charts only.
- Z-scores from specialty population growth charts were not evaluated for use in the development of the malnutrition criteria, therefore, these measures should not be used as independent criteria for diagnosis.
- Specialty growth charts are descriptive charts, not prescriptive charts.
- Some charts are based on very few children so may not accurately represent an entire population.
- Percentile and Z-score trends from specialty population charts may help to inform a patient’s nutrition status in conjunction with other malnutrition criteria (i.e., weight loss).
- For Cerebral Palsy growth charts, it is important to note the following:
- Heights were not done in a reliable way, therefore, the available data may not be accurate. In turn, these inaccurate heights will produce inaccurate BMI %iles.
- The weight charts for CP have a prescriptive component so can be used to support a malnutrition diagnosis or refute a malnutrition diagnosis.
- Research associated with the weight charts indicate that there is less morbidity when a child’s weight is above the 20th%ile on the CP chart.
- If malnutrition is suspected, the registered dietitian should be consulted for a nutrition assessment.