In medical terms, SAM typically stands for Severe Acute Malnutrition.
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a life-threatening condition characterized by extreme thinness, often accompanied by edema (swelling) and resulting from a severe deficiency in nutrient intake. It's a critical public health issue, especially affecting children in developing countries.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Definition: SAM is defined by specific anthropometric measurements, indicating a critical state of undernutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these measurements include:
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Weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) < -3: This means a child's weight is significantly lower than expected for their height, specifically more than 3 standard deviations below the median WHZ of the WHO child growth standards.
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Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) < 115 mm: MUAC is a simple measurement reflecting muscle mass and fat reserves. A MUAC below 115mm in children aged 6-59 months is a strong indicator of SAM.
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Presence of Bilateral Pitting Edema: This refers to swelling in both feet and legs, which, when pressed, leaves a pit that takes some time to disappear. This is a sign of kwashiorkor, a form of SAM associated with protein deficiency.
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Causes: SAM is primarily caused by inadequate dietary intake, often compounded by infections, poor sanitation, and socioeconomic factors that limit access to nutritious food and healthcare.
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Consequences: SAM has severe consequences, including:
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Impaired physical and cognitive development
- Increased risk of mortality
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Treatment: Treatment for SAM typically involves:
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Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF): Nutrient-dense, energy-rich food that can be administered at home.
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Medical care: Addressing underlying infections and other medical complications.
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Nutritional rehabilitation: Gradually increasing food intake to restore nutritional status.
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Therefore, when encountering "SAM" in a medical context, especially related to pediatrics and global health, it almost certainly refers to Severe Acute Malnutrition.
