Child growth is internationally recognized as an important indicator of nutritional status

and health in populations. Nutritional status is often assessed in terms of anthropometry.

Based on CDC 2000, Underweight: for children < 2 years: weight-for-length < 5th
percentile; for children 2-19 years: BMI-for age < 5th percentile for the new reference and
weight-for-height < 90%.1 Based on CDC 2000, the patient categorized as underweight. The
patient was given nutrition based on recommended daily allowance (RDA) with calorie …. ccal,
protein 1 gram/kgBW/day = …gr/day, and salt 1 g/kgBW/day.
Malnutrition is the most important causes morbidity and mortality in the child in the
developing countries in the first five years of life. This usually manifests in young children and
aged between 6 months to 2 years and it is associated with introduction of additional foods,
low intake of protein, and a heavy or frequent infections. Almost a third of children developing
nutritional disorders. 2
The association between nutritional status and the immune system has been a
research topic for decades. Malnutrition is classified into a mild to moderate malnutrton
and severe malnutrition. Mild to moderate malnutrition usually not show typical
symptoms, there is no biochemical abnormalities, the only thing found is growth
disorders. It has long been known that there is a synergistic interaction between
malnutrition and infection. Any infection of any degree may exacerbate the state of
nutritional status.3,4 Malnutrition, although mild, decreases the body resistance to infection.
Infection also affects nutritional status. Stimulation of the immune response by infection
increases the demand for basal metabolic energy, leading to a cycle between nutritional status
and increased susceptibility to infection. The infection itself can cause loss of body reserves of
protein, energy, minerals and vitamins. During the immune response process, there is an
increase in energy expenditure, while at the same time the infected host experiences a
decrease in nutrient intake.
Andrew Tomkins et al5 , stated that malnutrition be considered a key risk factor
for the occurrence of pneumonia and maintain good nutritional status is crucial for the
prevention of infection. children with poor nutritional status measured from growth and
with a low birth weight requires special attention when the signs are respiratory infections.
breast milk plays an important role in providing protection against respiratory
infections and must be promoted with strong contributions. most infections are
associated with lack of food intake.
Rodriguez et al4 , stated that a number of studies from a variety of fields have
shown that two-way relations. about 2/3 of children with malnutrition being treated with
pneumonia, generally caused by germs sterptococcus pneumonia. pneumonia typically
occur in children with malnutrition and often associated with the outer outer fatal,
especially in children with malnutrition aged less than 24 months. children with
pneumonia and less nutrition or malnutrition indicates a higher risk of death. pneumonia
typically occur in children with malnutrition and often associated with the outer outer
fatal, especially in children with malnutrition aged less than 24 months. children with
pneumonia and less nutrition or malnutrition indicates a higher risk of death. to
malnutrition, reported relative risks ranged from 2.9 to 121.2; odd ratio ranges between
2.5 to 15.1. for less nutrition, relative risk between 1.2 to 36.5. These results
demonstrate the existence of a meaningful relationship between nutrition and less
malnutrition.
1.Hendarto A, Sjarif D, Antropometri pada anak dan remaja. In: Sjarif D, Lestari
E, Mexitalia M, Nasar S. Buku Ajar Nutrisi Pediatrik dan Penyakit Metabolik
Jilid I. Jakarta: Badan Peberbit IDAI;2011.p.23-35.
2. Adegbola RA, Falade AG, Sam BE, Aidoo M, Baldeh I, Hazlett D, Whittle H,
Greenwood BM, Mulholland EK. The aetilogy of pneumonia in malnourished and
well-nourished Gambian children: pediatr Infect Dis J.2010;13:975-82.
3. Wahab S. Malnutrition. In: Berhman RE, Kleigman AM, editors.
Nelson Textbook of Paediatrics. 18 th edition. Philadelphia: WB
Saunders; 2011. p. 2009-14
4. Rodriguez L, Cervantes E, Ortiz R. Malnutrition and Gastrointestinal and
Respiratory Infections in children: A public Health Problem Int. J. Environ. Res.
Public Health 2011:1174-205.
5. Tomkins A, Watson F. Malnutrition and infection – a review- nutrition policy
discussion paper no.5. netheralands:2011