Failure to Thrive
Alternate Names : FTT, Failure to Gain Weight
How is the condition diagnosed?
When diagnosing a failure to gain adequate weight, the healthcare
provider will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical
examination. The provider will seek information about:
the pregnancy and newborn period
feeding patterns and development
the amount of calories being fed
the ability of the child to absorb calories being fed
the home environment
the complete blood count,
also called a CBC
kidney function tests
taken with a check of the urine
If a doctor does not have a diagnosis after the history,
physical, and laboratory evaluation, he or she may order further studies. A feeding
evaluation, usually done by an occupational therapist, can rule out the
presence of a subtle feeding disorder. A psychological and social service
evaluation of the family may also be in order.
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