Failure to thrive: Difference between revisions

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'''Failure to thrive''' (FTT) is a descriptive term rather than a diagnosis, used in pediatric, adult, and geriatric care to indicate insufficient weight gain or inappropriate weight loss. In infants and children, it is characterized by an inability to obtain or use calories required for growth, leading to growth rates significantly below that of similar age and sex peers. In adults and the elderly, it describes a state where physical deterioration due to aging or disease leads to marked inability to maintain body weight.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Definition==
| name            = Failure to thrive
Failure to thrive is not a single disease or condition. Instead, it is a manifestation of undernutrition and inadequate calorie intake or absorption. In children, the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) growth standards are often used as a reference for weight and height to diagnose FTT. A child may be considered to have FTT when their weight or rate of weight gain is significantly lower than that of their peers, falling below the 5th percentile on standardized growth charts without any underlying medical explanation.
| image          = [[File:CDC_growth_chart_boys_birth_to_36_mths_cj41c017.pdf|left|thumb|Growth chart for boys, birth to 36 months]]
 
| caption        = Growth chart used to assess failure to thrive
==Causes==
| field          = [[Pediatrics]]
FTT can result from a variety of causes, which can be broadly categorized into four groups: inadequate caloric intake, inadequate absorption, increased metabolism, and defective utilization. Causes may include, but are not limited to:
| synonyms        = [[Growth failure]], [[weight faltering]]
 
| symptoms        = Poor weight gain, [[malnutrition]], developmental delay
* '''Inadequate caloric intake:''' Poor feeding techniques, neglect, poverty, or feeding disorders.
| complications  = [[Developmental delay]], [[immune deficiency]], [[short stature]]
* '''Inadequate absorption:''' Conditions such as celiac disease or cystic fibrosis that affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
| onset          = Infancy or early childhood
* '''Increased metabolism:''' Chronic infections or congenital heart disease that increase the body's caloric needs.
| duration        = Variable, depending on cause and treatment
* '''Defective utilization:''' Genetic or metabolic disorders that affect how the body uses nutrients.
| causes          = [[Inadequate caloric intake]], [[malabsorption]], [[chronic illness]], [[neglect]]
 
| risks          = [[Premature birth]], [[low birth weight]], [[chronic medical conditions]]
==Symptoms==
| diagnosis      = [[Growth chart]] analysis, [[medical history]], [[physical examination]]
Symptoms of failure to thrive may vary depending on the underlying cause but generally include:
| differential    = [[Celiac disease]], [[cystic fibrosis]], [[hypothyroidism]], [[congenital heart disease]]
 
| treatment      = Nutritional support, addressing underlying causes, [[multidisciplinary approach]]
* Poor weight gain or weight loss
| prognosis      = Varies; better with early intervention
* Stunted growth
| frequency      = Common in pediatric practice
* Developmental delays
}}
* Behavioral changes
'''Failure to thrive''' (FTT) is a medical condition observed in infants and children who do not gain weight or grow as expected. It is not a disease or disorder itself, but rather a sign of underlying issues that may be nutritional, medical, or psychosocial in nature.
* Fatigue
== Definition ==
* Irritability
Failure to thrive is typically defined by a child's weight being below the 3rd or 5th percentile for their age and sex on standardized growth charts, or a significant drop in growth percentiles, such as crossing two major percentile lines. It is important to note that FTT is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis.
 
== Causes ==
==Diagnosis==
The causes of failure to thrive can be broadly categorized into three groups:
Diagnosis of failure to thrive involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential underlying causes. This includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, growth measurements, and possibly laboratory tests and imaging studies. The goal is to rule out or confirm any medical conditions that could be contributing to the FTT and to assess the nutritional status and feeding practices of the individual.
=== Organic Causes ===
 
Organic causes are related to medical conditions that affect a child's ability to take in, absorb, or utilize nutrients. These may include:
==Treatment==
* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD)
Treatment for failure to thrive focuses on addressing the underlying cause(s) and nutritional rehabilitation. This may involve:
* [[Cystic fibrosis]]
 
* [[Congenital heart disease]]
* Dietary changes to increase calorie intake
* [[Chronic infections]]
* [[Metabolic disorders]]
=== Non-Organic Causes ===
Non-organic causes are often related to environmental or psychosocial factors, such as:
* Inadequate caloric intake due to improper feeding techniques
* Neglect or abuse
* Parental mental health issues
* Poverty or lack of access to food
=== Mixed Causes ===
In many cases, failure to thrive results from a combination of organic and non-organic factors. For example, a child with a mild medical condition may not receive adequate nutrition due to parental misunderstanding or lack of resources.
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of failure to thrive involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:
* Detailed medical history
* Physical examination
* Growth measurements plotted on standardized growth charts
* Laboratory tests to rule out underlying medical conditions
== Management ==
Management of failure to thrive depends on the underlying cause. It may involve:
* Nutritional interventions, such as high-calorie diets or supplements
* Treatment of underlying medical conditions
* Treatment of underlying medical conditions
* Supplemental feeding through oral, enteral, or parenteral methods if necessary
* Psychosocial support for the family
* Counseling and support for families
* Education on proper feeding techniques
 
== Prognosis ==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for children with failure to thrive varies depending on the cause and the timeliness of intervention. Early identification and management can lead to significant improvements in growth and development.
The prognosis for individuals with failure to thrive depends on the underlying cause, the age of onset, and the timeliness and effectiveness of the intervention. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
== See also ==
 
* [[Malnutrition]]
==Prevention==
* [[Pediatric nutrition]]
Preventive measures for failure to thrive include ensuring adequate nutrition, regular monitoring of growth and development, and early intervention when growth concerns are identified.
* [[Growth chart]]
 
* [[Child development]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Geriatrics]]
[[Category:Nutrition]]
[[Category:Nutritional disorders]]
 
{{Medicine-stub}}
{{No image}}
<gallery>
File:CDC growth chart boys birth to 36 mths cj41c017.pdf|Failure to thrive
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:CDC_growth_chart_boys_birth_to_36_mths_cj41c017.pdf|CDC growth chart boys birth to 36 months
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 16:13, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Failure to thrive
Growth chart for boys, birth to 36 months
Synonyms Growth failure, weight faltering
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Poor weight gain, malnutrition, developmental delay
Complications Developmental delay, immune deficiency, short stature
Onset Infancy or early childhood
Duration Variable, depending on cause and treatment
Types N/A
Causes Inadequate caloric intake, malabsorption, chronic illness, neglect
Risks Premature birth, low birth weight, chronic medical conditions
Diagnosis Growth chart analysis, medical history, physical examination
Differential diagnosis Celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism, congenital heart disease
Prevention N/A
Treatment Nutritional support, addressing underlying causes, multidisciplinary approach
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies; better with early intervention
Frequency Common in pediatric practice
Deaths N/A


Failure to thrive (FTT) is a medical condition observed in infants and children who do not gain weight or grow as expected. It is not a disease or disorder itself, but rather a sign of underlying issues that may be nutritional, medical, or psychosocial in nature.

Definition[edit]

Failure to thrive is typically defined by a child's weight being below the 3rd or 5th percentile for their age and sex on standardized growth charts, or a significant drop in growth percentiles, such as crossing two major percentile lines. It is important to note that FTT is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis.

Causes[edit]

The causes of failure to thrive can be broadly categorized into three groups:

Organic Causes[edit]

Organic causes are related to medical conditions that affect a child's ability to take in, absorb, or utilize nutrients. These may include:

Non-Organic Causes[edit]

Non-organic causes are often related to environmental or psychosocial factors, such as:

  • Inadequate caloric intake due to improper feeding techniques
  • Neglect or abuse
  • Parental mental health issues
  • Poverty or lack of access to food

Mixed Causes[edit]

In many cases, failure to thrive results from a combination of organic and non-organic factors. For example, a child with a mild medical condition may not receive adequate nutrition due to parental misunderstanding or lack of resources.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of failure to thrive involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:

  • Detailed medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Growth measurements plotted on standardized growth charts
  • Laboratory tests to rule out underlying medical conditions

Management[edit]

Management of failure to thrive depends on the underlying cause. It may involve:

  • Nutritional interventions, such as high-calorie diets or supplements
  • Treatment of underlying medical conditions
  • Psychosocial support for the family
  • Education on proper feeding techniques

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for children with failure to thrive varies depending on the cause and the timeliness of intervention. Early identification and management can lead to significant improvements in growth and development.

See also[edit]

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