Summary about Disease
Failure to thrive (FTT) describes a condition where infants and children do not gain weight and grow at the expected rate compared to standard growth charts. It is not a disease itself but rather a sign of underlying medical, environmental, or social issues preventing adequate nutrition and growth. It can affect physical and cognitive development.
Symptoms
Poor weight gain or weight loss
Height not increasing as expected
Decreased muscle mass
Irritability or fussiness
Fatigue or lethargy
Developmental delays (e.g., speech, motor skills)
Avoidance of eye contact
Feeding difficulties (e.g., refusing to eat, gagging, vomiting)
Behavioral issues
Small for their age
Thin extremities
Causes
FTT can have a variety of causes, often a combination of factors:
Medical Conditions:
Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., reflux, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis)
Heart conditions
Kidney problems
Hormonal imbalances
Chronic infections
Metabolic disorders
Neurological problems
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Inadequate calorie intake
Poor absorption of nutrients
Improper formula preparation
Environmental and Social Factors:
Poverty
Neglect or abuse
Lack of parental knowledge about nutrition
Feeding difficulties
Disrupted parent-child interaction
Medicine Used
There is no single medicine to treat failure to thrive. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Medications may be used to manage specific medical conditions contributing to FTT. Examples:
Enzyme replacements for Cystic Fibrosis
Hormone therapy for hormonal deficiencies
Medications to manage reflux
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Is Communicable
Failure to thrive itself is not a communicable disease. However, if an underlying infectious disease is contributing to FTT, that infection may be communicable.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the underlying cause. General precautions include:
Proper Hygiene: Washing hands frequently to prevent infections that could worsen the condition.
Safe Food Handling: Preparing and storing food safely to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Adequate Nutrition: Ensuring the child receives a balanced diet with sufficient calories and nutrients.
Regular Medical Check-ups: Monitoring the child's growth and development closely.
Addressing Social Factors: Seeking support from social services if there are concerns about neglect, abuse, or poverty.
Following Medical Advice: Adhering to the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare provider.
How long does an outbreak last?
FTT is not an outbreak-related condition. It is a chronic condition that persists until the underlying cause is identified and effectively managed. The duration of FTT varies greatly depending on the severity and cause.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Medical History: Detailed information about the child's feeding habits, medical history, and family history.
Physical Examination: Assessing the child's overall health and development.
Growth Charts: Plotting the child's weight, height, and head circumference on growth charts to assess their growth pattern.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests to identify underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies.
Developmental Assessment: Evaluating the child's cognitive and motor skills.
Feeding Observation: Observing the child's feeding behavior to identify any difficulties.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary significantly. In some cases, poor weight gain may be noticed in the first few months of life. In others, it may not become apparent until later in infancy or early childhood. The onset and progression of symptoms depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Symptoms may develop gradually or rapidly.
Important Considerations
Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
Parental education and support are essential for successful management.
Addressing underlying social and environmental factors is critical.
Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor growth and development.
It is essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to FTT.