Stratégies de dépistage de la dénutrition chez l'enfant hospitalisé

Acute and chronic diseases are main causes of malnutrition in developed countries. Prevalence of malnutrition in hospital is as high in the children as in adults patients. Malnutrition is associated with morbidity and mortality increased in the course of hospitalization, with increased in length of stay and cost of care. Screening of malnutrition and "nutritional risk" in sick children not yet malnourished, is essential, particularly at the hospital, so that a preventive or curative nutritional support could be set up. The professionals trained with the Nutrition, pediatrists and dieticians, must be the engines of such a strategy.