Abstract
Assessment of failure to thrive (FTT) in children can be challenging and early consultation with a general paediatrician is counselled. Although endocrine causes are rare, the consequences of missing them can be life-threatening and they are relatively easily excluded. This article presents a series of cases and screening investigations to help direct investigation or appropriate referral for different endocrine disorders that may present as FTT.
Key Points
- Failure to thrive describes poor weight gain with preserved linear growth, although linear growth failure will follow in time.
- Most endocrine causes of failure to thrive are uncommon but important to consider and screen for.
- The key to excluding endocrine causes is to think of them.
