Failure to thrive

Definition

Failure to thrive refers to a state of inadequate growth or development in infants and children, often marked by insufficient weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. This condition can result from a variety of factors, including malabsorption syndromes, metabolic disorders, and psychosocial issues. Proper identification and intervention are crucial for restoring health and promoting normal growth in affected individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Failure to thrive is commonly diagnosed in pediatric populations but can also occur in adults due to various underlying health issues.
2. Early signs may include poor weight gain, lack of interest in feeding, and developmental delays.
3. Malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease or cystic fibrosis can significantly contribute to failure to thrive due to nutrient malabsorption.
4. Inborn errors of metabolism, such as phenylketonuria (PKU), may cause a failure to thrive if not managed through dietary restrictions.
5. Intervention strategies often involve addressing the underlying causes, providing nutritional support, and monitoring growth closely.

Review Questions

• How can malabsorption syndromes lead to failure to thrive in infants?
  • Malabsorption syndromes impair the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients from food. When infants have conditions like celiac disease or lactose intolerance, they may not gain adequate weight because their bodies are unable to effectively utilize the nutrients they consume. This inadequate nutrient absorption can lead to deficiencies that result in failure to thrive, highlighting the importance of diagnosing and managing these conditions early.
• What role do inborn errors of metabolism play in the occurrence of failure to thrive?
  • Inborn errors of metabolism are genetic disorders that disrupt normal metabolic processes, affecting how the body uses nutrients. Conditions such as galactosemia or maple syrup urine disease can prevent proper nutrient utilization, which can lead to failure to thrive if not managed with dietary restrictions and appropriate nutritional support. Effective management of these metabolic disorders is essential for ensuring adequate growth and development.
• Evaluate the importance of early detection and intervention for children experiencing failure to thrive due to nutritional issues.
  • Early detection of failure to thrive is crucial because timely intervention can significantly impact a child's growth trajectory and overall health. Identifying underlying causes like malabsorption or metabolic disorders allows for targeted nutritional support and appropriate dietary modifications. The sooner a child receives interventions aimed at correcting nutritional deficiencies and promoting healthy growth patterns, the better their long-term outcomes will be regarding physical development and cognitive function.

Related terms

Malabsorption Syndrome: A condition in which the intestines cannot absorb nutrients properly, leading to deficiencies that can contribute to failure to thrive.

Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Genetic disorders that result in metabolism disruptions, potentially leading to nutrient imbalances and failure to thrive.

Nutritional Support: The provision of dietary interventions and supplements to address deficiencies and promote proper growth, especially in individuals with failure to thrive.