Growth faltering

Question 1

what is growth faltering

Answer 1

• Formerly termed ‘failure to thrive’
• Slowest growing 5% of population
• Weight below 3rd centile
• Crossing major centile lines for 3 months
• Usually evident by 12-18 months
• ~185,000 children in UK
• Persistent: 50% consistent GF up to 6 years
• Distinct from feeding problems

Question 2

causes of growth faltering

Answer 2

Causes of growth faltering
1. Problems with food provision
2. Problems taking in food
3. Problems absorbing calories from food

Question 3

risks for 2-12 months

Answer 3

pratiwi 2021

: Breastfeeding and gender were risk factors of growth faltering in infant aged 2-12 months. Further
research needed on how to prevent growth faltering in first 1000 days of life so it may avoid stunting in later
life

Question 4

causes of growth faltering-

Answer 4

1. Inadequate Nutritional Intake
   Insufficient caloric intake is one of the most common causes, which may occur due to neglect, poverty, or feeding difficulties (Black et al., 2013).
   Infants with improper breastfeeding techniques or those fed inappropriate formula may not receive adequate nutrition to sustain healthy growth (Schwarz et al., 2020)

Chronic conditions such as congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, or celiac disease can interfere with nutrient absorption or increase metabolic demands, leading to growth faltering

3. Psychosocial Factors
   Emotional deprivation and poor caregiver-child interactions can lead to growth faltering, as psychosocial stress affects appetite and growth hormone levels
   -Parental mental health issues, such as depression, can impair caregiving and feeding practices, contributing to growth delays (Black et al., 2013).
4. Malabsorption Disorders
   Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cow’s milk protein allergy, or lactose intolerance can lead to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in growth failure

Frequent or chronic infections, particularly in low-resource settings, increase nutrient needs and can cause growth faltering due to prolonged periods of reduced appetite and poor absorption (Prendergast & Humphrey, 2014).

6. Environmental Factors
   Poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water can contribute to recurrent diarrhea and infections, exacerbating malnutrition and impairing growth (Prendergast & Humphrey, 2014).
   Food insecurity in low-income households has also been strongly associated with growth faltering in children (Black et al., 2013)

Question 5

consequences of growth faltering

Answer 5

1. Delayed Physical Growth and Stunting
   Growth faltering can result in stunting, defined as impaired linear growth for age. Stunted children are at risk of reduced adult height, which can have long-term economic and social implications (Victora et al., 2008).
   Stunting during critical periods of development is often irreversible and may impair organ development and physical functioning (Prendergast & Humphrey, 2014).
2. Cognitive and Developmental Delays
   Growth faltering is strongly associated with poor cognitive development, reduced academic performance, and delays in motor milestones due to the brain’s reliance on adequate nutrition for growth (Grantham-McGregor et al., 2007).
   Longitudinal studies show that malnourished children are at a greater risk of poorer educational and employment outcomes later in life (Black et al., 2013).
3. Compromised Immune Function
   Malnourished children with growth faltering often experience weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections such as respiratory illnesses and diarrheal diseases (Prendergast & Humphrey, 2014).
   This creates a vicious cycle, as frequent infections further exacerbate malnutrition and growth issues (Santos et al., 2018).
4. Increased Mortality Risk
   Severe growth faltering, particularly during early childhood, is linked to an increased risk of childhood mortality, primarily from preventable conditions such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles (Black et al., 2013).
5. Psychosocial Challenges
   Children with growth faltering may face emotional and social difficulties, including poor self-esteem, stigma, and exclusion, particularly in settings where physical stature is linked to social status or ability (Johnson et al., 2021).
   Parental stress and blame can also arise, which may further impact family dynamics and the child’s emotional well-being (Santos et al., 2018).