Failure to thrive
Alternate Names : Growth failure, FTT
Symptoms & Signs
Infants or children who fail to thrive have a height, weight, and head circumference that do not match standard growth charts. The person's weight falls lower than 3rd percentile (as outlined in standard growth charts) or 20% below the ideal weight for their height. Growing may have slowed or stopped after a previously established growth curve.
The following are delayed or slow to develop: - Physical skills such as rolling over, sitting, standing and walking
- Mental and social skills
- Secondary sexual characteristics (delayed in adolescents)
Diagnosis & Tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam and check the child's height, weight, and body shape. A detailed history is taken, including prenatal, birth, neonatal, psychosocial, and family information. A Denver Developmental Screening Test reveals delayed development. A growth chart outlining all types of growth since birth is created. The following laboratory tests may be done: - Complete blood count (CBC)
- Electrolyte balance
- Hemoglobin electrophoresis to determine the presence of conditions such as sickle cell disease
- Hormone studies, including thyroid function tests
- X-rays to determine bone age
- Urinalysis
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