Faltering Growth
Faltering growth is a concerning change in a child's growth trajectory, usually weight first; the commonest mechanism is inadequate intake, so accurate serial measurements, feeding observation and whole-child assessment come before indiscriminate investigations.
Definition
Faltering growth is a slower rate of weight gain than expected for age and sex, identified as a sustained fall across weight centiles or a concerningly low weight on a UK growth chart. It is a growth pattern requiring assessment of intake, health, development and social circumstances rather than a diagnosis in itself.
First principles
A growth pattern is not a diagnosis
A child may be constitutionally small and healthy, or may be failing to gain weight because intake is inadequate, food is not retained, absorption is impaired or requirements are increased. Faltering growth describes the trajectory and starts a structured assessment; it does not prove organic disease or neglect.
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