Long-term hospitalization of nonorganic failure-to-thrive infants: patient characteristics and hospital course

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Psychology
• Social Work

Background:

• Hospitalization is a treatment for nonorganic failure-to-thrive (NOFT) infants, despite risks to caregiver-infant attachment.
• Long-term hospitalization for NOFT has been anecdotally reported but not systematically studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe characteristics, growth, and length of stay for NOFT infants undergoing long-term hospitalization.
• To investigate the impact of a family-oriented outpatient intervention on hospital course and discharge for these infants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient characteristics, growth, and length of stay for NOFT infants.
• Comparison of infants receiving additional outpatient intervention versus those who did not.

Main Results:

• NOFT infants were often impoverished with below-average development; one-third had "interactional" failure-to-thrive.
• Average hospitalization was 18 weeks, shortened by outpatient programs and co-existing medical issues.
• Infants in welfare custody without outpatient intervention were more likely to be discharged to out-of-home placement.

Conclusions:

• Long-term hospitalization can be a necessary intervention for NOFT infants, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Family-oriented outpatient programs can facilitate shorter hospital stays and potentially improve discharge outcomes.
• Caregiver-infant attachment and socioeconomic factors are critical considerations in managing NOFT.