Intermediate
Technical
IVT
failure to thrive
Condition where a child's weight or weight gain is significantly below normal for their age.
Full Definition
Failure to thrive (FTT) is a clinical condition characterized by inadequate physical growth in children, typically defined as weight below the 3rd percentile or crossing two major percentile lines on growth charts. It can result from inadequate caloric intake, increased caloric needs, or inability to utilize calories properly. Causes may be organic (medical conditions) or non-organic (environmental, social, or behavioral factors). Early identification and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as FTT in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The 8-month-old was referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist for evaluation of failure to thrive." — Referral documentation
- "Failure to thrive requires comprehensive assessment including nutritional, medical, and psychosocial factors." — Clinical protocol
Also known as
FTT
growth failure
Contrasted with
normal growth
appropriate weight gain
Don't confuse with
developmental delay
malnutrition