Failure To Thrive (FTT)

Failure toThrive (FTT)
(Growth Deficiency)
What is it?
*Protein Calorie Malnutrition
-vitamin and mineral depletion
-growth and development failure- under age 2
-fever of unknown origin
-anemia or Crohn’s Disease in older children
-for elderly- dwindles from the 13 D’s- drinking liquor, drugs, disease,
deficits (sensory, deafness), deserted/isolated, dementia/alzheimer’s, delirium,
dysphagia, depression, despair, destitution, death and dying, dehydration, dental decay
*Organic FTT- caused by chronic disease (cancer, infections, allergies,
cleft/lip palate, physical/mental disability
*Non-organic FTT- illnesses, social/environmental defects, caregivers behaviors,
inadequate feeding procedures
Fact:
*1/3 of children referred to a pediatric center are malnourished
*Children are at the fifth percentile of weight/length infants same age
*Slow to talk, behavior problems, weight loss, poor weight gain, apathy
*Can be physical. psychological, social, economic
What can I do?
*See a Physician
*See a FFF RD or a RD for help with meal planning
*Proper feeding techniques/schedule/behaviors/growth
*Hydration/nutrition