Biopsychosocial characteristics of children admitted with failure to thrive

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterise and compare the biopsychosocial characteristics of children admitted with failure to thrive (FTT), subdivided into those with underlying medical complexities (categorised as organic FTT – OFTT) and those with none (categorised as non-organic FTT – NOFTT), with a focus on the medical, nutritional, feeding skills and psychosocial domains. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted in children admitted with FTT from January 2010 to December 2020. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 353 children were included, with the mean age of presentation 0.82 ± 2.05 years (OFTT 1.16 ± 2.50 years, NOFTT 0.49 ± 1.41 years, P = 0.002). Approximately, half of the children were classified as having OFTT. These children had lower birth weights, were more likely to have a history of intrauterine growth restriction and had longer hospital stays. The NOFTT group had significantly more abnormal feeding strategies identified in their caregivers, whereas the OFTT group had more delayed feeding skills and oral aversion. There was no significant difference in psychosocial domains, with both groups having a comparably high risk of abuse and neglect. Conclusions: The classification of FTT as non-organic or organic based purely on psychosocial parameters did not reflect the complex nature of FTT within our local population. These groups had different medical variables, and caregiver feeding strategies. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended for the assessment and intervention for children with FTT to address these domains and the complex interactions between them.