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Behavior as a diagnostic aid in failure-to-thrive
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Behavioral assessments can help suggest nonorganic failure-to-thrive (NOFTT) in infants when organic causes are ruled out. High intensity and frequency of certain behaviors, alongside treatment response, aid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Failure-to-thrive (FTT) in infants presents diagnostic challenges.
- Distinguishing between organic FTT (OFTT) and nonorganic FTT (NOFTT) is crucial for effective intervention.
- Behavioral patterns may offer insights into the etiology of FTT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine a defined set of behaviors in hospitalized infants.
- To evaluate the utility of behavioral assessment in differentiating NOFTT from OFTT.
- To identify specific behaviors indicative of NOFTT.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 67 hospitalized infants (3-24 months) was studied.
- Infants were categorized into OFTT (n=17), NOFTT (n=17), and control (n=33) groups.
- The frequency and intensity of specific behaviors were recorded and compared across groups.
Main Results:
- Infants with NOFTT exhibited greater frequency and intensity of behaviors compared to OFTT infants.
- The prevalence order of behaviors was similar between OFTT and NOFTT groups.
- Four of the seven most common behaviors were significantly more frequent in NOFTT infants.
Conclusions:
- While specific behaviors do not definitively rule in NOFTT or out OFTT, their presence, especially with high intensity, suggests NOFTT when organic causes are absent.
- Positive response to targeted treatment remains the most definitive diagnostic confirmation for NOFTT.