This comprehensive review 

1) provides an overview of the species of intestinal worms most relevant to humans

2) examines how such worms may affect child growth and nutrition 

3) reviews the biological and epidemiological factors that influence the effects on the growth and nutrition of children

4) considers the many factors that can affect the impact of treatment with anthelminthic drugs

5) presents the results of a meta-analysis of studies of the effect of treating worm infections on child growth and nutrition

6) discusses the expectations from deworming treatment

7) suggests ideas for study design of future interventions as well as implications for programs of recommendations concerning mass deworming.