Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
high

Growth outcome is excellent if an appropriate diet can be established and maintained, but growth stunting is common as many children return to a food-insecure environment.

Evaluation of short stature

long term
low

Blindness resulting from corneal ulceration is now a rare occurrence owing to the routine administration of vitamin A and the recognition and treatment of xerophthalmia at an early stage.[63][64]

Evaluation of vision loss

variable
low

This may occur because of overhydration with intravenous fluids or blood products transfused to treat severe anemia. It can be recognized by rapid breathing, respiratory distress, and engorgement of the veins in the neck. It can present in a similar manner to chest sepsis and must be distinguished from sepsis. All fluid intake should be stopped, and a diuretic (e.g., furosemide) is typically required.

Chronic congestive heart failure

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