Failure to thrive (FTT) is a condition in which infants or children fail to gain weight and grow at the expected rate for their age and gender. At our pediatric department, we provide comprehensive evaluation and management of failure to thrive, addressing the underlying causes and promoting healthy growth and development in children.

Symptoms:

• Weight below the 3rd percentile for age and gender
• Poor appetite or feeding difficulties
• Slow or inadequate weight gain
• Delayed physical development
• Lack of energy or lethargy
• Irritability or fussiness during feedings
• Difficulty with sucking, swallowing, or chewing

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing failure to thrive involves a thorough evaluation of the child’s medical history, growth patterns, feeding habits, and physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Growth chart assessment to track weight, height, and head circumference over time
• Laboratory tests to evaluate nutritional status and screen for underlying medical conditions
• Imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasounds to assess bone density and organ function
• Developmental assessment to evaluate milestones and identify potential delays

Treatment:

Treatment for failure to thrive aims to address underlying factors contributing to poor growth and promote healthy weight gain and development. Treatment options may include:

• Nutritional counseling to optimize caloric intake and nutrient absorption
• Dietary modifications such as increasing calorie-dense foods or adjusting feeding techniques
• Supplemental feeding with fortified formula or high-calorie supplements
• Treatment of underlying medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic disorders, or chronic illnesses
• Referral to specialists such as pediatric gastroenterologists, feeding therapists, or dietitians for specialized care

Prevention:

Preventing failure to thrive involves promoting healthy feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition, and addressing any medical or developmental concerns early on. Regular pediatric check-ups, monitoring growth and development, and seeking medical attention for any concerns are essential for early detection and intervention.

 

What causes failure to thrive in children?

Failure to thrive can be caused by various factors, including inadequate caloric intake, poor nutrient absorption, underlying medical conditions, feeding difficulties, or environmental factors such as neglect or abuse.

 

How is failure to thrive diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves assessing growth patterns, nutritional status, feeding habits, and physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include growth chart assessment, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and developmental evaluation.

 

What treatments are available for failure to thrive?

Treatment may include nutritional counseling, dietary modifications, supplemental feeding, treatment of underlying medical conditions, and referral to specialists for specialized care.

 

Can failure to thrive be prevented?

While not all cases of failure to thrive can be prevented, promoting healthy feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition, and addressing medical or developmental concerns early on can help reduce the risk.

 

What should parents do if they suspect their child has failure to thrive?

Parents should seek medical attention if they notice signs of poor growth or development in their child, including slow weight gain, feeding difficulties, or delayed milestones. Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes and promoting healthy growth and development.