Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Failure to thrive

Alternative Names: Growth failure; FTT Symptoms: Height, weight, and head circumference in an infant or young child do not progress normally according to standard growth charts -- weight less than 3rd percentile, weight 20% below ideal weight for height, or a falloff from a previously established growth curve Physical skills such as rolling over, sitting, standing and walking are slow to develop Mental and social skills are delayed Development of secondary sexual characteristics are delayed in adolescents Signs and tests: A physical examination is done, including height, weight, and body proportions. A detailed history is taken, including prenatal, birth, neonatal, psychosocial, and family information. A Denver Developmental Screening Test reveals delayed development. A growth chart including all growth parameters and trends since birth is plotted. Text Continues Below The following laboratory tests may be performed: CBC (complete blood count) to detect anemia Electrolytes (basic chemistries) Urinalysis Thyroid function tests Other hormone studies Hemoglobin electrophoresis to determine the presence of conditions such as sickle cell disease X-rays to determine bone age

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.