Faltering Growth

Question 1

What is the definition of Faltering growth?

Answer 1

Failure to gain adequate weight/achieve adequate growth during infancy and childhood
NICE= Weight fallen down 2 centile lines

Question 2

What are some of the main causes of poor growth?

Answer 2

1) Inadequate calorie intake.
2) Malabsorption
3) Inadequate retention
4) Increased calorie requirements.
5) Inflammatory disease.

Question 3

Causes of faltering growth: give examples of inadequate calorie intake.

Answer 3

1) Inadequate suck/swallow
2) Psychosocial deprivation/Inadequate provision
3) Cleft palate
4) Exclusionary diet e.g. Veganism

Question 4

Causes of faltering growth: give examples of malabsorption.

Answer 4

1) Coeliac disease
2) Pancreatic disease e.g. CF
3) Liver disease
4) Cow’s milk protein intolerance
5) Enteropathy e.g Infective e.g. Giardia Lambia

Question 5

Causes of faltering growth: give an example of inadequate retention.

Answer 5

1) Vomiting e.g. severe GORD, pyloric stenosis

Question 6

Causes of faltering growth: give example increased calorie requirements.

Answer 6

1) Thyrotoxicosis
2) Malignancy
3) Chronic illness e.g. CHD, CKD, CF

Question 7

Name 3 members of the MDT who would be involved in the management of a child with faltering growth.

Answer 7

Health visitor.
Dietitian.
Community paediatrician.

Question 8

Why is prompt intervention important when managing a child with faltering growth?

Answer 8

Prompt intervention can avoid problems such as cognitive delay, feeding and behavioural problems and low maternal self-esteem.