obsolete infant nutrition disorder

Failure to Thrive (FTT) - An Obsolete Term

Failure to thrive (FTT) was a term used in the past to describe subnormal growth in young children, not caused by known hormonal or genetic syndromes [1]. This condition is now often referred to as growth faltering, weight faltering, or poor weight gain.

Characteristics and Consequences

Children with FTT typically exhibited slow growth rates, which could lead to significant health issues if left untreated. In infants or toddlers weighing less than 70% of the predicted weight for their length, FTT was considered a medical emergency [3].

Causes and Related Conditions

The causes of FTT were often linked to malnutrition, particularly during the first year of life. Marasmus, a disease caused by severe protein and calorie deficiencies, was one such condition that could result from untreated FTT [6]. Additionally, inherited metabolic disorders and pediatric feeding disorder could also contribute to growth faltering in children.

Modern Understanding and Terminology

The term "failure to thrive" has largely been replaced with more specific and accurate terms like growth faltering or weight faltering. These terms better describe the condition's characteristics and emphasize the importance of early intervention and proper nutrition for healthy child development.

References:

[1] Failure to thrive refers to subnormal growth in a young child that is not caused by known hormonal or genetic syndromes. [3] FTT is considered a medical emergency in infants or toddlers who weigh less than 70% of the predicted weight for length. [6] Malnutrition during the first year can produce marasmus, a disease in which infants stop growing.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several outdated or obsolete infant nutrition disorders that were once treated with drugs.

• Phenylketonuria (PKU) [10] is one such disorder that was previously treated with a specific diet. PKU is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. While it is still considered a medical condition, the treatment has evolved and now includes a strict dietary regimen rather than medication.
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) [10] are another group of disorders that were once treated with nutritional therapy. IEMs are genetic conditions that affect the body's ability to metabolize certain nutrients. While some IEMs may still require medical nutrition, others have been found to be treatable through dietary modifications.
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) [7] is a condition that affects newborns who were exposed to substances such as opioids during pregnancy. While NAS was once treated with medication, current guidelines recommend a more holistic approach that includes nutritional support and other forms of therapy.

It's worth noting that the treatment of these conditions has evolved over time, and what was once considered standard medical practice may no longer be relevant today.