Growth faltering in infants – what are the underlying factors?

Abstract

Background Children who cannot keep a proper growth pattern may have growth faltering, which if started in infancy may lead to long-term sequelae, such as growth delay and permanent cognitive deficiencies. Aim The goal of this study was to detect the causes that contribute to failure to thrive among children in Egypt. Participants and methods This is a cross-section study that included 100 infants with faltering growth. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 2 years. Full history and clinical examination including all anthropometric measures were done for all infants in the study. Investigations included full blood count, stool analysis, urine analysis, in addition to any further investigation to prove the diagnosis. Results This study showed that 61% were males, whereas 39% were females. Poor oral intake was the most common complaint that was present in 90% of studied cases. Insufficient intake accounted for the most common etiology of faltering growth, whereas persistent or recurrent gastroenteritis was significantly related to growth faltering. Underweight was significantly related to maternal age between 18 and 30 years old. Stunting was more prevalent in preterm infants and those with poor dietary diversity, whereas wasting was significantly related to increase in family size. Conclusion Risk factors contributing to faltering growth were low maternal age for underweight, prematurity, and poor dietary diversity for stunting and birth order more than third child for wasting. Insufficient intake and gastroenteritis were the most important contributing factors of faltering growth.