[Nutritional condition and serum protein concentration in children (6-12 years old) of Chacopata Sucre State, Venezuela (December--January, 1997)].

A biochemical and anthropometrical study of 175 children (6-12 years old) from Chacopata, Sucre State was done (December--January, 1997). The children were evaluated by combined anthropometrical indicators (OMS), clinical, nutritional and biochemical tests. The results showed 81.71% well-nourished children, 4.57% obese children and 13.72% with some degree of undernutrition: 3.43% acute undernourished and 10.29% chronic undernourished. Total seric proteins including fractions: albumin, alfa-1 alfa-2, beta and gamma globulins as well as total globulins and albumin/globulin indexes were at the normal reference range for children (6-12 years old). A significative increase in alfa-1 globulin (0.18+/-0.08 g/dl; 8-9 years old group) and decrease of alfa-2 globulin (0.71+/-0.11 g/dl; 10-12 year old group) was observed. Biochemical results associated with nutritional condition showed normal values, moreover, this biochemical index decreased in the undernourished group. A significant decrease of the seric beta globulin in the undernourished children (0.72+/-0,12 g/dl) with respect to the well-nourished children (0.79+/-0.15) was found. In children (6-12 years old) from Chacopata, compensated chronic undernourishement is prevalent.