Failure to Thrive
Alternate Names : FTT, Growth Failure
Failure to Thrive: Diagnosis & Tests
A physical examination is done, including height, weight and body proportions. A detailed history is taken, including prenatal, birth, neonatal, psychosocial and family information. A Denver Developmental Screening Test reveals delayed development. A growth chart including all growth parameters and trends since birth is plotted.
The following laboratory tests may be performed:
- CBC (complete blood count) to detect anemia
- electrolytes (basic chemistries)
- urinalysis
- thyroid function tests
- other hormone studies
- hemoglobin electrophoresis to determine the presence of conditions such as sickle cell disease
- X-rays to determine bone age
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