Aetiology

Here are the three main mechanisms of growth faltering in children.

Click on the flip cards to see the examples of each aetiology.

Inadequate energy intake

a) Inadequate intake, e.g. reduced appetite, inadequate amount, diluted infant formula preparation, poverty. etc.

b) Structural, e.g. Cleft lip, palate, etc

c) Swallowing incoordination

d) Recurrent vomiting

Inadequate energy intake

Increased energy expenditure

a) Increased energy requirement

b) Hyperthyroidism

c) Chronic illness, e.g. heart failure, kidney disease, etc

d) Recurrent infections

Increased energy expenditure

Increased loss/ malabsorption

a) Pancreatic insufficiency, e.g. cystic fibrosis

b) Abnormal bowel, e.g. Inflammatory bowel disease

c) Food protein allergies, e.g. Cow’s milk allergy

d) Chronic liver disease (fat malabsorption)

Increased loss/ malabsorption