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What do we know about children who fail to thrive?
1Department of Community Child Health, Leeds General Infirmary, UK.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Children with failure to thrive (FTT) often experience significant developmental delays, poor nutrition, and behavioral issues. Early, intensive, multidisciplinary intervention is crucial for addressing these complex challenges in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Development
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Failure to thrive (FTT) is a critical concern in early childhood.
- Children with FTT often present with complex, multifaceted issues beyond poor growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overview the challenges faced by children with poor growth in an intensive community intervention trial for FTT.
- To identify associated developmental, dietary, and behavioral problems in FTT children.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of 63 children (6 months to 2.5 years) using Bayley Developmental Scales and HAD Scales.
- Evaluation of developmental delay, dietary intake (calories, iron), iron deficiency, eating behaviors, and maternal mental health.
Main Results:
- 55% of children showed developmental delay (27% severe).
- 77% had inadequate caloric intake, and 19% consumed <50% of requirements.
- 60% exhibited eating difficulties, and one-third had iron deficiency anemia.
Conclusions:
- Children with FTT frequently have co-occurring developmental, nutritional, and behavioral problems.
- These issues may not be immediately apparent and necessitate intensive, multidisciplinary support.
- Early identification and intervention are vital for improving outcomes in FTT.