Assessing Malnutrition in Pneumonia using BIVA

Carina King of the Institute for Global Health in the United Kingdom will use bioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA) to measure nutritional status in children with pneumonia in Malawi in order to improve treatment. Malnutrition is strongly associated with poor prognosis in pneumonia but is difficult to accurately assess. BIVA measures bioelectric properties to predict physiological parameters such as hydration and body mass of specific body regions. They will develop a protocol and evaluate BIVA for assessing nutritional status in children with pneumonia compared to current assessment methods. They will also lead focal discussion groups to evaluate related knowledge and likely acceptance of the protocol by health workers and care staff. Finally they will conduct a pilot training program on the technology for health care workers.