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Gastrostomy dependence in two constitutionally short children
1Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 55905.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Many infants diagnosed with failure to thrive are actually constitutionally short. Early diagnosis is key, as interventions like gastrostomy may be unnecessary for healthy growth in length.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Constitutional short stature can be challenging to diagnose in infants.
- Early growth patterns are crucial for identifying potential growth disorders.
Observation:
- Two infants experienced length measurements falling below the fifth percentile within 18 months.
- Interventions for presumed gastroesophageal reflux and failure to thrive included fundoplication and gastrostomy.
Findings:
- Gastrostomy feedings did not improve linear growth despite weight gain.
- The diagnosis of "failure to thrive" was misleading, obscuring constitutional short stature.
Implications:
- Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary and invasive procedures.
- Recognizing constitutional short stature early prevents medical interventions not indicated for growth.
- Parental education is vital to avoid "gastrostomy dependence".