Failure to thrive

Definition

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a condition in which an individual, typically an infant or child, does not gain weight or grow as expected. It can be caused by various medical, nutritional, and environmental factors that impact overall health and development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Failure to thrive can result from inadequate caloric intake, malabsorption issues, or increased metabolic demands.
2. Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiencies are common medical causes of FTT.
3. Nutritional interventions are crucial in managing FTT and often involve high-calorie diets and addressing specific nutrient deficiencies.
4. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for preventing long-term developmental delays associated with FTT.
5. Pediatric assessments for FTT include monitoring growth charts, dietary history, and screening for underlying medical conditions.

Review Questions

• What are some common endocrine disorders that can lead to failure to thrive?
• Why is early diagnosis important in managing failure to thrive?
• What nutritional strategies are commonly used to manage failure to thrive?

Related terms

Hypothyroidism:

A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones leading to metabolic slowdown.

Growth Hormone Deficiency: A disorder characterized by insufficient production of growth hormone resulting in stunted growth and development.

Malabsorption Syndrome: Conditions where the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients effectively from food causing deficiencies and poor growth.