During the rehabilitation phase of SAM management, a 6 kg child must achieve satisfactory catch-up growth. According to WHO recommendations, what is the MINIMUM acceptable rate of weight gain that indicates the feeding regimen is adequate?

• A 5 g/kg/day
• B 10 g/kg/day ✓
• C 20 g/kg/day
• D 50 g/kg/day

Explanation

WHO criteria define satisfactory catch-up growth in SAM rehabilitation as at least 10 g/kg/day sustained weight gain. For a 6 kg child this equals about 60 g per day. Gain below this threshold demands reassessment for hidden infection, inadequate feeding, depression, or HIV. Rates of 20 g/kg/day or more are excellent but the minimum acceptable standard is 10 g/kg/day.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 9th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.