Severe failure to thrive in infant
Deepti Allapathi1, Dora Alvarez, Swati Dave-Sharma
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, Lincoln Medical and mental health center, Bronx, New York, USA.
Insights
Failure to thrive in infants can signal serious illness like Bartter syndrome. Early diagnosis via history, exam, and electrolytes is crucial for management and preventing life-threatening outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nephrology
- Genetics
Background:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) in infants presents diagnostic challenges, often masking severe underlying conditions.
- Bartter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, is a significant, albeit uncommon, cause of FTT.
- Early recognition and management of Bartter syndrome are critical for infant health outcomes.
Observation:
- This article details a case of severe FTT in an infant caused by the neonatal form of Bartter syndrome.
- The infant presented with characteristic manifestations requiring careful clinical evaluation.
- Diagnostic methods included detailed history, physical examination, and electrolyte pattern analysis.
Findings:
- Neonatal Bartter syndrome was confirmed as the etiology of severe FTT.
- The specific clinical manifestations and electrolyte abnormalities consistent with Bartter syndrome were identified.
- Successful management strategies were implemented based on the diagnosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare genetic disorders like Bartter syndrome in cases of unexplained infant FTT.
- Emphasizes the critical role of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management in preventing severe complications and improving infant prognosis.
- Underscores the need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding the presentation and diagnostic pathway of neonatal Bartter syndrome.
Abstract:
Failure to thrive in an infant has multiple etiologies and at times, is only manifestation of underlying serious disease. Bartter syndrome is a rare disease that manifests as failure to thrive. It can be diagnosed by a careful history, physical examination, and abnormal electrolyte pattern. It can be alleviated by appropriate management, whereas failure to recognize early can be life threatening. A case of severe failure to thrive in an infant due to neonatal form of Bartter syndrome, its manifestations, management, and outcome is presented in this article.
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