ABSTRACT
In some circumstances, failure to thrive may be apresentation of child neglect. Neglect is defined as not meeting a child’s basic needs, including adequate food and nurturing, which can result in actual or potential harm5. In the context of neglect, FTT may be due to inadequate nutrition, inadequate nurturing, or inadequate bonding between a child and his or her caregiver. When FTT is caused by neglect, certain risk factors are present, which are listed in Table 19. Risk factors for neglect as a cause of FTT may be secondary to parenting, infant, or family problems. Any of these risk factors may
lead to inconsistent feeding patterns, decreased nutrition, decreased growth, and increased family stress6. It is important that these risk factors be positively identified and not simply assumed in the absence of a medical cause of FTT5,7. It is also important to note that these risk factors may be present in a child with medical problems which can also account for poor weight gain. Therefore, all potential causes must be investigated thoroughly.
