Failure to thrive

Despite being commonly used, the term failure to thrive (FTT) has no consistent definition. In its broadest sense, FTT refers to poor growth in infants and young children. Although FTT defies attempts at a strict definition and its effect on future growth and development remains unclear, the assessment of growth remains a central part of routine clinical practice and health professionals are frequently required to assess a child who is thought to be growing poorly. This review describes the comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical assessment that is required to identify specific underlying causes including illnesses and adverse social and other environmental factors. Most children with suspected FTT will be normal children who are constitutionally small or have slow growth and only reassurance is required. For those with underlying causes, careful clinical assessment informs appropriate management, which usually requires multidisciplinary input.