This paper discusses the problem of organ failure to thrive in children. Between 1% and 5% of all hospital-admitted children aged two and under are afflicted with failure to thrive. The problem is found in up to 10% of this age group's general population (Leung, et al., p.1432). Characterized by growth and/or development failure, failure to thrive is a symptom, which may be of organic or non-organic origin. The term, failure to thrive, is most commonly associated with infants aged two and under who have not met weight gain criteria as defined by standard measures. More severe cases may be identified by linear and head circumference growth that falls well below the norm. It is important to note that while this paper discusses organic-based failure to thrive, non-organic problems must also be considered in any diagnosis or treatment of failure to thrive.
