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Table 1 Common case definition for severe and moderate acute malnutrition

From: Adapting acute malnutrition treatment protocols in emergency contexts: a qualitative study of national decision-making

Severe acute malnutrition

Moderate acute malnutrition

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) < 115 mm

and/or

Weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) < − 3

and/or

bilateral pitting oedema

MUAC ≥115 mm to < 125 mm

and/or

WHZ ≥ -3 to WHZ < − 2