Underlying illness associated with failure to thrive in breastfed infants
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1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
Insights
Failure to thrive (FTT) in breast-fed infants, especially after the first month, may indicate underlying organic illness. Early evaluation is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of these high-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Care
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) is a concern in infant health.
- Breast-feeding is a common infant feeding method.
- Identifying underlying causes of FTT is critical for infant well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of organic illness in breast-fed infants with FTT.
- To compare the incidence of associated organic illness in neonates versus older infants with FTT.
- To highlight the importance of thorough clinical evaluation for FTT in breast-fed infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 38 breast-fed infants aged six months or less diagnosed with FTT over four years.
- Categorization of infants into neonates (≤1 month) and older infants (>1 month).
- Review of medical records to identify associated organic illnesses.
Main Results:
- Seven out of 38 (18.4%) breast-fed infants with FTT had an associated organic illness.
- Only 8% of breast-fed neonates (2/28) with FTT had an associated illness.
- 50% of older breast-fed infants (5/10) with FTT were diagnosed with an organic illness.
Conclusions:
- Breast-fed infants presenting with FTT after the neonatal period are at higher risk for underlying organic disease.
- Clinical evaluation for FTT in breast-fed infants should include a comprehensive search for organic causes.
- Early identification and management of organic illnesses associated with FTT are essential for improved infant outcomes.
Abstract:
Over a four-year period in a suburban pediatric practice, 38 infants aged six months or less were identified with failure to thrive (FTT) while breast-feeding. In seven cases (18.4%), an associated organic illness was diagnosed. Only 2 of 28 breast-fed neonates (8%) were found to have FTT associated with another illness, as compared to 5 of 10 older infants (50%). Breast-fed infants with FTT, particularly those presenting after the first month of life, should be considered high risk for having other disease. Their clinical evaluation should include an appropriate search for organic illnesses.