A picture is worth a thousand words

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood. Education and practice edition Vol. 93; no. 6; pp. 177 - 189
• Main Authors: Kistin, C J, Bauchner, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 01.12.2008; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Age; Anthropometry; Body Size; Body Weight; Child Nutrition Disorders - diagnosis; Child Nutrition Disorders - diet therapy; Child, Preschool; Female; Growth Disorders - diagnosis; Growth Disorders - diet therapy; Humans; Infant; Laboratories; Longitudinal studies; Male; Malnutrition; Mortality; Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition research; Nutritionists
• ISSN: 1743-0585; 1743-0593
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2007.136192

The diagnosis of weight faltering can be challenging and often controversial. The determination should be made based on careful evaluation of growth parameters, including longitudinal patterns plotted on age- and gender-appropriate growth charts. For children with suspected or diagnosed weight faltering, the initial work-up should be limited, with laboratory tests and studies directed by findings on history and physical examination. Treatment should include nutritional counselling, familial support, and close outpatient follow-up. Hospitalisation may be useful in some cases but should not be used routinely to assist in the diagnostic work-up. Patients with limited response to these interventions may require further evaluation.