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Related Experiment Videos

Failure to thrive. A continuing problem of definition.

W D Wilcox1, P Nieburg, D S Miller

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

Clinical Pediatrics
|September 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Failure to thrive (FTT) lacks a clear definition despite its common use. This review found inconsistent quantitative criteria across pediatric texts and journals, hindering accurate diagnosis and research.

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Child Nutrition
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • "Failure to thrive" (FTT) is a term used for over 50 years to describe growth deficits in infants and young children.
  • Current usage often links FTT to growth failure from insufficient caloric intake or maternal deprivation.
  • Despite its prevalence, FTT lacks a precise, universally accepted definition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the clarity and consistency of the definition of "failure to thrive" (FTT) in current medical literature.
  • To identify the quantitative criteria and anthropometric indices used to define FTT in pediatric reference texts and journals.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of 22 general pediatrics, pediatric nutrition, and pediatric gastroenterology reference texts.
  • Analysis of 13 recent journal articles that address "failure to thrive" (FTT).

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Main Results:

  • Only 9 of 22 reference texts and 9 of 13 journal articles provided quantitative definitions for FTT.
  • Significant lack of consensus was observed regarding the specific anthropometric indices and abnormality criteria used.
  • The existing literature demonstrates ambiguity in defining FTT.

Conclusions:

  • The absence of a standardized, scientifically validated definition for "failure to thrive" (FTT) contributes to an ambiguous body of research.
  • A clear, dynamic definition is needed to accurately reflect the syndrome and improve diagnostic consistency.
  • Further research is required to establish consensus on FTT definition and diagnostic criteria.