Death from Failure to Thrive
The evaluation of a young child by a pediatrician or primary care provider requires regular assessment of height, weight and head circumference. Although babies and children grow at different weights, generally a trend is expected along what is called a “growth curve”. This is a standardized chart using average values for babies and children to determine if growth is occurring as expected, and to avoid missing the diagnosis of non-organic or organic failure to thrive. When a child falls below the curve, the pediatrician’s standard of care is to determine why this is so – and to follow-up.
Medical Reasons for Death from Failure to Thrive
It is important to determine whether failure to thrive results from medical problems. There are multiple medical causes of failure to thrive. These include:
- Chromosome abnormalities such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome
- Metabolic disorders
- Anemia or other blood disorders
- Defects in major organ systems such as the liver
- Problems with the endocrine system (hormones), such as thyroid hormone deficiency or growth hormone deficiency
- Damage to the brain or central nervous system, which may cause feeding difficulties in an infant
- Heart or lung problems which may affect nutrients moving through the body
- Gastrointestinal problems that result in malabsorption or a lack of digestive enzymes
- Long-term gastroenteritis and gastroesophageal reflux (usually temporary)
- Long-term (chronic) infections
- Exposure to infections, parasites, or toxins
- Complications of pregnancy and low birth weight
Abuse/Neglect and Failure to Thrive
It is also imperative for the pediatrician to determine whether failure to thrive results from factors in the environment, such as abuse or neglect. These include:
- Emotional deprivation as a result of parental withdrawal, rejection, or hostility
- Economic problems that affect nutrition, living conditions, and parental attitudes
- Poor eating habits without proper supervision
- Depriving a child of food (starvation)