Failure to thrive: when to suspect inborn errors of metabolism

Pediatrics. 2009 Sep;124(3):972-9. doi: 10.1542/peds.2008-3724. Epub 2009 Aug 10.

Abstract

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a common symptom, not a diagnosis, of a wide range of childhood diseases. Although FTT is usually caused by inadequate energy intake in diet or constitutional small size, organic pathology should be considered in some cases of FTT. This article is intended to guide primary care physicians for when to suspect inborn errors of metabolism in children who present with FTT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Failure to Thrive / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / complications*
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors / diagnosis*