Thymus size and its correlates among children admitted with severe acute malnutrition: a cross-sectional study in Uganda
Nicolette Nabukeera‐Barungi, Betty Lanyero, Benedikte Grenov, Henrik Friis, Hanifa Namusoke, Ezekiel Mupere +7 more
BMC Pediatrics
Abstract
The thymus is indeed a barometer for nutrition since all anthropometric measurements and breastfeeding were associated with bigger thymus. The immune benefits of breastfeeding among children with SAM is underscored. Children with longer duration of illness had a smaller thymus gland indicating that infections have a role in the cause or consequence of thymus atrophy.
Concepts
MedicineCross-sectional studyMalnutritionSevere Acute MalnutritionPediatrics