WEIGHT GAIN AND LINEAR GROWTH ARE INTERRUPTED BY AFRICAN MEASLES

Abstract

The nutritional sequelae of measles were quantified experimentally by studying energy balance during the illness, after recovery, and monitoring nutritional status during convalescence. The 24 hour intake of metabolisable energy by 20 black Kenyan children hospitalized by acute measles was calculated from the energy content of food, faeces and urine. This was determined by bomb calorimetry. The energy expenditure was measured at intervals by flow-over calorimetry. Nutritional status was measured by auxology, at the time of measles, at the control study approximately one month later and during home convalescence. The level of intake of metabolisable energy was significantly reduced during measles (81.5±17.5 compared with 338±28 kJ/kg.24h. M±SE). The mean level of resting energy expenditure was similar during the two studies (257±9.6 kJ/kg.24h. and 272±9.6 kJ/kg.24h. during measles and control studies respectively). During the control study 12 out of 18 children were in positive energy balance. In the control study a post prandial increase in metabolic rate and a high resting respiratory quotient (0.98±0.3 M±SE) were indicative of biosynthesis. These features were absent during measles. The results of auxology demonstrated that weight recovery during convalescence was accompanied by significant faltering in linear growth. Thus measles produces negative energy balance resulting in weight loss and faltering in linear growth.

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