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Long-term follow-up and outcome of infants with non-organic failure to thrive
Insights
Children with non-organic failure to thrive (NOFT) experienced shorter stature and slower weight gain. Birthweight, maternal height, and socioeconomic status predicted catch-up growth and better long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Development
- Growth Disorders
Background:
- Non-organic failure to thrive (NOFT) in infancy presents long-term challenges.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term outcomes of children with infantile non-organic failure to thrive.
- To identify predictors of growth catch-up and developmental progress.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 61 children diagnosed with NOFT.
- Comparison with a matched control group at an average follow-up of 5 years.
Main Results:
- Children with NOFT were shorter, with lower birthweight percentiles and maternal height.
- Learning difficulties and developmental delays were more prevalent in the NOFT group.
- Birthweight, maternal height, and socioeconomic status predicted catch-up growth; faster catch-up correlated with better school performance.
Conclusions:
- NOFT is a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, nutritional, and environmental factors.
- Long-term follow-up and management must address these diverse components.
- Predictive factors for catch-up growth include birthweight, maternal height, and socioeconomic status.
Abstract:
Sixty-one children diagnosed as having non-organic failure to thrive during infancy were reviewed at an average of 5 years after their initial presentation, and were compared to a control group matched for age, sex, social class, and ethnic affiliation. Children with a previous history of failure to thrive were found to be shorter and, in particular, to gain less weight. Birthweight percentile and maternal height of children with failure to thrive were lower than those of matched children from the control group. They also had more learning difficulties and evidenced developmental delay. The degree of growth retardation and the duration of follow-up had no significant effect on the outcome. In contrast, birthweight, maternal height, and social status and, to a lesser extent, paternal parameters were good predictors of catching-up capabilities of these infants in terms of weight and height. Children who caught up faster had better school performances and came from families of higher socioeconomic status. Failure to thrive is a multifactorial process involving biological, nutritional, and environmental factors. All these components should be considered in long-term follow-up and management.