Failure to Thrive

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Definition

Failure to thrive is inadequate physical growth using a standard growth chart. It refers to children who fall below the 5th percentiles for their age.

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Classifications

1. Organic - Caused by medical disorders.

2. Inorganic - Caused by poor environmental / bad caregiver's actions.

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Causes of Organic Failure to Thrive

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Causes of Non-Organic Failure to Thrive

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Indicators of Non Organic Failure to Thrive

Physical indicators of nonorganic failure to thrive

include weight below the 5th percentile, a sudden or rapid deceleration in the growth curve, delay in reaching developmental milestones, and decreased muscle mass. Muscle hypotonia, abdominal distention, generalized weakness, and cachexia (general ill health and malnutrition) are additional signs.

Behavioral indicators of failure to thrive

include avoidance of eye contact, avoidance of physical touch, intense watchfulness, and sleep disturbances. Lack of age-appropriate stranger anxiety, inappropriate lack of preference for one's own parents, and disturbed affect (e.g., apathy, extreme irritability, extreme compliance) may also be observed. Repetitive self-stimulating behaviors, such as rocking, head banging, intense sucking, intense chewing on fingers or hands, and head rolling, are also seen.