The developmental sequelae of nonorganic failure to thrive

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Infant failure to thrive (FTT) is a condition of poor growth.
• Nonorganic FTT lacks a clear medical cause.
• Long-term developmental outcomes of FTT require further study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the developmental sequelae of infant failure to thrive (FTT) at 6 years of age.
• To assess the impact of severe nonorganic FTT on physical growth and cognitive functioning.
• To identify predictors of physical and cognitive development in children with a history of FTT.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study followed 6-year-olds with a history of severe nonorganic FTT and matched controls.
• Physical development was assessed using BMI, height, and weight for age Z scores.
• Cognitive functioning was evaluated using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities.

Main Results:

• Children with a history of FTT were significantly smaller (BMI, height, weight Z scores) than controls at 6 years.
• FTT history explained significant variance in weight and BMI; maternal height predicted height.
• Maternal IQ, not FTT history, predicted all cognitive abilities; FTT was not linked to cognitive function at 6 years.

Conclusions:

• Nonorganic FTT is associated with persistent limitations in physical stature into school age.
• Adverse effects of early malnutrition on cognitive functioning appear to diminish over time.
• Maternal IQ is a critical factor in child cognitive development, overshadowing early FTT effects.