Further Development and Assessment of Tools to Measure Risk Factors for and Treatment of Thiamine Deficiency Disorders

The study's primary objective is to determine the usefulness of a TRD case definition and practical tool in identifying infants and young children that would benefit from thiamine treatment in different contexts in Lao PDR, specifically urban Vientiane and rural Luang Prabang. Clinical observers based at the participating hospitals within each country/region will record the presenting signs and symptoms of all children within the target age range (21 days - \<18 months) over a one month period. For children who meet the eligibility criteria and informed consent is obtained, information will be collected on duration of hospital stay, received medical treatments, final physician diagnosis and risk factor questionnaires (see below). This data will be used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the practical TRD case definition tool to accurately identify children who would benefit from thiamine treatment and reduce treatment uncertainties The secondary objective is to explore risk factors associated with TDD/TRD among infants and young children and their mothers. This will help to identify potential metrics that could be included in a community risk factor screening tool to identify population groups at risk of thiamine deficiency so appropriate preventive interventions can be implemented. Data will be collected on diet and household risk factors for thiamine deficiency, including infant and young child feeding practices, maternal dietary practices, maternal health status and household socioeconomic status and food security.