Catch-up growth in a severely malnourished child is assessed by which parameter that best reflects lean body mass gain during rehabilitation?

• A Weight-for-height Z-score
• B Serum albumin level weekly
• C Skinfold thickness measurement
• D Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) velocity ✓

Explanation

MUAC velocity (rate of MUAC increase in mm/week) is the preferred field measure of lean mass recovery in severe acute malnutrition because it reflects muscle mass accretion independent of oedema, which can falsely elevate weight during fluid shifts. Weight-for-height Z-score and weight velocity are used but are confounded by oedema resolution. Serum albumin is a poor short-term marker due to its long half-life. MUAC >115 mm (4–59 months) and rapid MUAC gain are used as discharge criteria from therapeutic feeding programmes.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.