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Published on: August 21, 2015
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.
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.
Abstract:
Failure to thrive (FTT) refers to a condition where a child does not gain weight or grow at the expected rate for their age and gender. An accepted definition includes a weight less than the lowest acceptable range on standardized growth charts. FTT is often a diagnostic challenge for providers treating children with mixed etiologies. This report discusses the case of an 11-year-old female with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease and avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Management by an interprofessional healthcare team has been difficult, given the multifactorial nature of the patient's weight loss. This report suggests that behavioral and psychological aspects, such as aversion to eating and reluctance to experiment with different foods, may align with symptoms of Crohn's disease in children. It also emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate interventions, as they can mitigate psychological and developmental setbacks.
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