Characterization of cutaneous signs and their annexes in children under 5 years of age with severe malnutrition

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate cutaneous and appendageal signs (skin and nails) in children under 5 years of age referred with a diagnosis of severe malnutrition, who attended the "Dr. Carlos Arvelo" University Military Hospital between January and June 2024. Methods: Descriptive, prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study based on data recorded in the medical history and application of the modified Standardized Clinical Score of cutaneous signs in infants with severe malnutrition. Results: The sample consisted of 28 patients; according to age groups, the majority were between 1 and 24 months, with a mean age of 9.21 months, predominantly male with 64.28 %. Pigmentation changes and extreme thinness were the most common signs, representing 31,48 % and 16,66 % respectively. Regarding other cutaneous signs, the following were observed: ichthyosis (7.40 %), pityriasis alba (18.51 %), angular cheilitis (9.25%), perifollicular dermatitis (5.55 %), skin scaling (7.40 %), and mucocutaneous pallor (3.70 %). Dry, thin, and brittle hair was predominant at 37.93 %, followed by telogen effluvium at 27.58 %. Brittle nails were present in 46.43 %, and thin nails in 32.14 %. Conclusions: Cutaneous manifestations resulting from nutritional deficiencies are diverse, regardless of the type of malnutrition; pigmentation changes and extreme thinness are the most common signs.