Faltering growth - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

The diagnosis of faltering growth requires a careful assessment of growth parameters (weight, length/height, and head circumference) - over time.
The condition requires comprehensive medical and psychosocial evaluation, including an evaluation of home and family conditions, food security and the availability of food, family routines and the regularity of meals, and meals served in a nurturant context as well as children's participation and involvement.
Extensive medical tests are, however, generally not indicated. Rather, one should be guided by the history or exam.
Interdisciplinary collaboration, involving medical professionals, psychologists, nutritionists, and social workers, with other specialists as needed is recommended.
Hospitalization should be reserved for severe or recalcitrant cases.

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Tang MN, Adolphe S, Rogers SR, et al. Failure to thrive or growth faltering: medical, developmental/behavioral, nutritional, and social dimensions. Pediatr Rev. 2021 Nov;42(11):590-603.[Abstract]
Becker P, Carney LN, Corkins MR, et al. Consensus statement of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition: indicators recommended for the identification and documentation of pediatric malnutrition (undernutrition). Nutr Clin Pract. 2015 Feb;30(1):147-61.[Abstract][Full Text]
Kleinman R. American Academy of Pediatrics. Nutritional needs of the preterm infant. In: Kleinman RE, ed. Pediatric nutrition handbook, 5th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2004:36.
Kuczmarski RJ, Ogden CL, Guo SS, et al. 2000 CDC growth charts for the United States: methods and development. Vital Health Stat 11. 2002 May;(246):1-190.[Abstract][Full Text]

Other Online Resources

CDC: clinical growth charts
CDC: recommendations for WHO growth standards
Office of Head Start: Head Start Services
WHO: child growth standards

Referenced Articles

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