Medical Services

Failure to thrive (FTT) describes an infant or child who fails to gain weight at the expected rate or loses weight over time. It is defined as decelerated or arrested physical growth, with weight or height falling below the third to fifth percentile, or a downward shift across two major growth percentiles. The underlying cause is inadequate nutrition—either insufficient intake, poor absorption, or increased caloric needs.

FTT is no longer strictly categorized as “organic” (medical cause) or “non-organic” (psychosocial), as causes often intertwine. Common contributors include gastroesophageal reflux, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, food allergies, metabolic disorders, congenital heart disease, swallowing difficulties, developmental delays, and inadequate feeding practices. Psychosocial factors like family stress, neglect, or lack of caregiver understanding may also play a role.

Symptoms include poor weight gain, irritability, fatigue, excessive sleepiness, weak cry, delayed motor development, poor social responsiveness, and feeding aversions. FTT is typically diagnosed during routine well-baby check-ups when growth charts show deviation.

Treatment is cause-specific and often involves a multidisciplinary team: nutritionists for calorie optimization, physical therapists for developmental support, social workers for family intervention, and medical specialists for underlying conditions. Early intervention is critical to prevent long-term growth, cognitive, and behavioral complications.