Defining Pediatric Failure to Thrive in the Developed World: Validation of a Semi-Objective Diagnosis Tool

Catherine Larson-Nath, Alisha Mavis, Lori Duesing, Megan Van Hoorn, Cassandra Walia, Catherine Karls, Praveen S. Goday

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is no concordance between current diagnostic criteria for failure to thrive (FTT). We analyzed validity of the Semi-Objective Failure to Thrive (SOFTT) diagnosis tool, which uses a combination of subjective and objective components to make the diagnosis of FTT. The tool was used to diagnose FTT in 94 patients who met 1 of 7 accepted criteria for FTT. Concurrent and predictive validity were demonstrated using anthropometric z-scores and change in anthropometric z-scores, respectively. SOFTT results correlated with differences in anthropometric z-scores for length (P =.011), weight, weight-for-length, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness (P <.0001) between those diagnosed as normal and those with FTT. At follow-up, children with FTT compared with children rated as normal had significantly higher change in weight (P ≤.001) and body mass index (P =.026) z-scores. The SOFTT tool leads to the accurate diagnosis of FTT demonstrated by concurrent and predictive validity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)446-452
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Pediatrics
Volume58
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2018.

Keywords

  • failure to thrive
  • infant
  • malnutrition
  • pediatric
  • poor growth

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