title: A picture is worth a thousand words.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. caroline.kistin@bmc.org
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kistin
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bauchner
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D049628:Body Size; D001835:Body Weight; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment