Failure to thrive: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Medical Encyclopedia
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:CDC_growth_chart_boys_birth_to_36_mths_cj41c017.pdf|thumb| | | name = Failure to thrive | ||
| 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 | |||
| field = [[Pediatrics]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Growth failure]], [[weight faltering]] | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 = [[Celiac disease]], [[cystic fibrosis]], [[hypothyroidism]], [[congenital heart disease]] | |||
| treatment = Nutritional support, addressing underlying causes, [[multidisciplinary approach]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; better with early intervention | |||
| frequency = Common in pediatric practice | |||
}} | |||
'''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. | '''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 == | == Definition == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Causes == | ||
The causes of failure to thrive can be broadly categorized into three groups: | The causes of failure to thrive can be broadly categorized into three groups: | ||
=== Organic Causes === | === 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: | Organic causes are related to medical conditions that affect a child's ability to take in, absorb, or utilize nutrients. These may include: | ||
* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) | * [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) | ||
* [[Cystic fibrosis]] | * [[Cystic fibrosis]] | ||
| Line 22: | Line 30: | ||
* [[Chronic infections]] | * [[Chronic infections]] | ||
* [[Metabolic disorders]] | * [[Metabolic disorders]] | ||
=== Non-Organic Causes === | === Non-Organic Causes === | ||
Non-organic causes are often related to environmental or psychosocial factors, such as: | Non-organic causes are often related to environmental or psychosocial factors, such as: | ||
* Inadequate caloric intake due to improper feeding techniques | * Inadequate caloric intake due to improper feeding techniques | ||
* Neglect or abuse | * Neglect or abuse | ||
* Parental mental health issues | * Parental mental health issues | ||
* Poverty or lack of access to food | * Poverty or lack of access to food | ||
=== Mixed Causes === | === 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. | 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 == | ||
Diagnosis of failure to thrive involves a comprehensive evaluation, including: | Diagnosis of failure to thrive involves a comprehensive evaluation, including: | ||
* Detailed medical history | * Detailed medical history | ||
* Physical examination | * Physical examination | ||
* Growth measurements plotted on standardized growth charts | * Growth measurements plotted on standardized growth charts | ||
* Laboratory tests to rule out underlying medical conditions | * Laboratory tests to rule out underlying medical conditions | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Management of failure to thrive depends on the underlying cause. It may involve: | Management of failure to thrive depends on the underlying cause. It may involve: | ||
* Nutritional interventions, such as high-calorie diets or supplements | * Nutritional interventions, such as high-calorie diets or supplements | ||
* Treatment of underlying medical conditions | * Treatment of underlying medical conditions | ||
* Psychosocial support for the family | * Psychosocial support for the family | ||
* Education on proper feeding techniques | * 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 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 == | |||
== | |||
* [[Malnutrition]] | * [[Malnutrition]] | ||
* [[Pediatric nutrition]] | * [[Pediatric nutrition]] | ||
* [[Growth chart]] | * [[Growth chart]] | ||
* [[Child development]] | * [[Child development]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
[[Category:Nutrition]] | [[Category:Nutrition]] | ||
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 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Congenital heart disease
- Chronic infections
- Metabolic disorders
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.
