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Differential Diagnosis for Failure to Thrive

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Inadequate Nutrition: This is the most common cause of failure to thrive, often due to inadequate caloric intake or inappropriate feeding practices. Justification: It is a prevalent issue in pediatric care, and addressing nutritional deficiencies can often resolve the condition.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Frequent vomiting can lead to inadequate nutrition and failure to thrive. Justification: GERD is common in infants and can cause significant feeding difficulties.
  • Cystic Fibrosis: This genetic disorder can lead to malabsorption and failure to thrive due to pancreatic insufficiency. Justification: Although less common, cystic fibrosis is a well-known cause of malnutrition and failure to thrive in children.
  • Chronic Infections: Recurrent or chronic infections, such as urinary tract infections or tuberculosis, can consume energy and nutrients, leading to failure to thrive. Justification: Chronic infections can have a significant impact on a child's nutritional status and overall health.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Hypothyroidism: Congenital hypothyroidism can cause failure to thrive if left untreated. Justification: Although rare, hypothyroidism has significant implications for growth and development, making early diagnosis crucial.
  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can lead to malabsorption and failure to thrive. Justification: Celiac disease can present with non-specific symptoms, and missing this diagnosis can lead to long-term health consequences.
  • Child Abuse or Neglect: Failure to thrive can be a sign of child abuse or neglect, particularly if there are inconsistencies in the history or signs of physical abuse. Justification: This is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to the severe and long-lasting consequences for the child's health and well-being.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) can lead to failure to thrive if not managed properly. Justification: These conditions are rare but can have significant health implications if not diagnosed and treated early.
  • Chronic Diseases (e.g., Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease): Certain chronic diseases can consume energy and nutrients, leading to failure to thrive. Justification: While less common in pediatric populations, these conditions can have a profound impact on growth and development.
  • Genetic Syndromes (e.g., Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome): Some genetic syndromes are associated with growth failure and failure to thrive. Justification: These conditions are rare and often have distinct clinical features, but failure to thrive can be a presenting symptom.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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