SAM Diagnostic Criteria Children

Diagnosing Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children $\le$ 5 years involves specific anthropometric measures.

Key SAM Indicators

The primary criteria for identifying SAM are:

• Weight-for-height z-score: Less than -3 SD ($z < -3 \text{ SD}$).
• MUAC: Less than 115 mm ($MUAC < 115 \text{ mm}$).
• Bilateral pitting edema.

Option (a) represents the weight-for-height criterion, and option (c) represents the MUAC criterion for SAM.

Conclusion on Criteria

Based on standard diagnostic guidelines:

• Criterion (a) Weight for height $-$ 3 SD is a key indicator of SAM.
• Criterion (c) MUAC less than 115 mm is another key indicator of SAM.

Therefore, the correct diagnostic criteria for SAM in children $\le$ 5 years, as presented in the options, are (a) and (c).