A Study on Home-Based Rehabilitation of Severely Malnourished Children.

To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of home-based rehabilitation on severely malnourished children.Thirty two severely
malnourished (weight for length < 70% of WHO reference) children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years were selected.
Rehabilitation at home (16 weeks) following initial assessment or/and stabilization at hospital. Initial assessment of the patient was done in hospital. Those with complications or loss of appetite were admitted in hospital and managed as per WHO guidelines. After discharge, they were managed at home using home-based diets. Those without complications and with preserved appetite were directly eligible for home-based rehabilitation. Follow up was done in hospital up to 16 weeks. Dietary intake, anthropometry and morbidities were recorded during follow-up. Significant change was observed in weight gain and nutrient intake. Home-based management using home prepared food and hospital based follow up is associated with sub-optimal and slower recovery.