V. Kerin
Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

J. Brecelj
Klinični oddelek za gastroenterologijo, hepatologijo in nutricionistiko, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana in Katedra za pediatrijo, Medicinska fakulteta Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Failure to thrive most often occurs in young children and is a consequence of inadequate energy consumption necessary for growth and development. Risk factors include children living in poverty and children with chronic illnesses. The diagnosis is based on anthropometrical parameters such as weight and length/height for age. There are numerous definitionsand cut-off values, with the most frequently used parameters being weight-for-age < 5th percentile, weight-for-height < 5th percentile and a downward crossing of more than two major percentile lines. Failure to thrive is the result of inadequate caloric intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss of calories, excess metabolic demand, defective utilization or a combination of mechanisms. It is important to take into account the child’s developmental stage and environment. The diagnostic approach and treatment methods depend on the cause. In most cases there are several aetiological factors: medical, psychological, social, environmental and economic.

Key words: infant, toddler, failure to thrive, anthropometrical measurements, growth, child develop-ment, risk factors, poverty.