09 April 2025 : Clinical Research
Etiological Patterns of Protein-Energy Malnutrition in a Pediatric Clinic in China
Mei Tang123ABCDEF, Yini Wang123CDE, Fan Yang123AE*, Yun Xiang123B, Jinhui Wu123BDOI: 10.12659/MSM.946284
Med Sci Monit 2025; 31:e946284
Table 2 Comparison of PEM causes between mild and moderate PEM groups (n [%]).
| Group | n | FA | SGA | Premature infants | Dietary behavior problems | RRTI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild PEM group | 231 | 138 (59.7) | 46 (19.9) | 17 (7.4) | 33 (14.3) | 6 (2.6) |
| Moderate PEM group | 49 | 22 (44.9) | 26 (53.1) | 5 (10.2) | 7 (14.3) | 5 (10.2) |
| χ | 3.64 | 23.25 | 0.14* | 0 | 4.35* | |
| value | 0.056 | <0.001 | 0.703 | 1.000 | 0.037 | |
| * Continuity correction chi-square test was used for statistical comparison due to 1≤ minimum expected frequency PEM – protein-energy malnutrition; FA – food allergy; SGA – small for gestational age; RRTI – recurrent respiratory tract infection. | ||||||