Pediatric Crohn's Disease With Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Resulting in Failure to Thrive:

Vladimir Valencia1, Michael J Cosare1, Maristela Soberano1

  • 1Research, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, USA.

Cureus
|October 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Failure to thrive (FTT) in children is a complex diagnostic challenge. This case highlights how Crohn

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Failure to thrive (FTT) is defined as inadequate growth in children.
  • Diagnosing FTT can be challenging due to multifactorial etiologies.

Observation:

  • This report details an 11-year-old female with Crohn's disease and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
  • The patient experienced significant weight loss, complicating management.

Findings:

  • Behavioral and psychological factors, like food aversion, can mimic or exacerbate Crohn's disease symptoms in children.
  • The interplay between ARFID and Crohn's disease presents unique clinical challenges.

Implications:

  • Timely diagnosis and integrated interventions are crucial for managing pediatric FTT.
  • Addressing psychological and developmental aspects alongside medical treatment is vital for improved outcomes.

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