Failure to Thrive

Abstract

Reviewing the chronological evolution of our understanding of why some children fail to thrive without obvious organic cause permits us to develop a rational contemporary approach to diagnosis and management. Originally recognized as a phenomenon of children living in institutions, it later became clear that it could occur in children living with their families. While emotional deprivation was at first emphasized as the principal determinant of growth failure, it is now apparent that the major mediating mechanism is insufficient caloric intake. Thus prior to nutritional recovery it may be difficult to segregate whether emotional symptoms in the child reflect the causes or effects of malnutrition. With rare exceptions, an etiologic diagnosis can be suspected on the basis of history, physical examination, and family assessment. Nonspecific investigative screening of such children has proved to be without value. Successful management depends on recognition of the supernormal caloric intake required to induce rapid catch-up growth. Aggressive hyperalimentation combined with intensive emotional stimulation and often with active family participation offer the best chances of a successful outcome.