Failure to Thrive Flashcards
How are the causes of Failure to Thrive divided into?
Inadequate intake Inadequate retention Malabsorption Failure to utilise nutrients Increased requirements
What are the organic causes of inadequate intake?
Impaired sucking/swallowing: Oro-motor dysfunction, neurological disorder (Cerebral Palsy)
Cleft palate
Chronic illness such as Crohn’s disease, Chronic renal failure, CF, Liver disease
When is hospital admissions necessary for cases of Failure to Thrive?
Hospital admissions are only necessary for children under 6 months with severe failure to thrive as they require active refeeding. In severe cases, hospital admissions can be used to demonstrate that the child can gain weight when fed properly.
Is weight loss normal in the first few days after birth?
Yes, weight loss in the first 3 to 4 days of life can be common in neonates due to body fluid adjustments.
After how many weeks will most infants return to their birth weight if they present with weight loss in their early days of life?
After 3 weeks
What are the thresholds for concern about faltering growth in infants and children?
A fall across 1 or more weight centile spaces if birthweight was below the 9th centile.
A fall across 2 or more weight centile spaces if birthweight was between the 9th and 91st centile.
A fall across 3 or more weight centile spaces if birthweight was above the 91st centile.
If current weight is below the 2nd centile for age, regardless of the birthweight.
What investigations can be done in children with signs of Failure to Thrive?
Obtaining a blood count and ferritin level to identify for iron deficiency as this is common and can affect development and appetite.
Stool for faecal elastase: Low levels is seen in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency caused by Chronic IBD, CF, chronic pancreatitis, or diabetes mellitus.
Coeliac antibodies, sweat test, jejunal biopsy: TRO Coeliac disease or CF
Thyroid Function test: TRO congenital hypothyroidism can cause developmental delays and poor growth
