Question

In a child height for age < -2 SD likely cause is

• A. Chronic malnutrition
• B. Acute malnutrition
• C. Recent infection
• D. No malnutrition

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In pediatrics, when assessing a child's growth, the height-for-age metric is commonly used. This measure represents how a child's height compares to the standard height for children of the same age. A height-for-age value of less than -2 standard deviations (SD) indicates that the child's height is significantly below the average for their age, suggesting potential growth issues. The likely causes for a child having a height-for-age value less than -2 SD involve different types of malnutrition and health issues:

• Chronic Malnutrition: This is the most likely cause. Chronic malnutrition, often referred to as stunting, occurs due to long-term insufficient nutrition leading to poor growth. It is characterized by a child being shorter than expected for their age but having a relatively normal weight for their height.
• Acute Malnutrition: This condition, also known as wasting, typically affects weight rather than height. It is due to a sudden lack of adequate nutrition, causing severe weight loss over a short period. It is less likely to affect height significantly unless it becomes chronic.
• Recent Infection: While infections can cause temporary reductions in appetite and nutrition absorption, they are unlikely to affect long-term height significantly.
• No Malnutrition: If there is no evidence of malnutrition, other factors such as genetic conditions or hormonal deficiencies might be considered.

Thus, the correct answer is Chronic Malnutrition, as it reflects the long-term nutritional deficits impacting a child's growth.