Failure to thrive (FTT) in infants and young children is a condition characterized by inadequate physical growth. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention and ensuring the child’s healthy development. Weight is a primary indicator of a child’s nutritional status, making regular weight monitoring during clinic visits essential. While height measurement is also important, tracking height changes over time (linear growth) provides more valuable insights for diagnosing FTT, especially in cases of prolonged undernutrition.
In cases of non-organic FTT, growth issues often become apparent within the first year of life, typically prompting medical evaluation by around six months of age. Conversely, the presentation of organic FTT varies depending on the underlying medical condition causing it.
When failure to thrive is suspected, healthcare providers initiate the diagnostic process by engaging in detailed discussions about the child’s symptoms with caregivers. This is followed by obtaining a thorough dietary history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination.
To gain deeper insights into the child’s nutritional intake, doctors may request food records from parents or caregivers. Consultation with a registered dietitian is often a vital step in assessing the child’s specific dietary and nutritional requirements. Initially, dietary adjustments, guided by a dietitian, are frequently implemented to ensure sufficient calorie intake, promoting catch-up growth. For breastfeeding difficulties, lactation specialists can provide invaluable support. Furthermore, specialists in developmental pediatrics and feeding therapy may be consulted to evaluate the child’s developmental stage and feeding skills.
If a child continues to exhibit failure to thrive despite initial interventions, further investigations become necessary. Physicians tailor blood tests and other laboratory studies based on the child’s specific symptoms, physical examination findings, and response to initial dietary therapy. In some instances, hospitalization for observation and initiation of dietary therapy may be recommended to determine the root cause of failure to thrive.
