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What Causes Reduced Weight Gain In A Child?
Question: Hello, this is regarding our son who is having a lot of difficulties feeding where it takes a lot of distracting and 40-60 minutes to finish 4 ounces....he gets about 25 ounces a day only.
We was born IGUR end of May (2 weeks early, induced because he gained very little weight between 30-38 weeks) and currently today weighs only 12.5 pounds, with a head circumference of 16 inches and length of 25 inches. Doctors think he has acid reflux so takes zantac once a day and omeprazole twice a day...he also may have a milk protein allergy (not confirmed) so giving him nutramagen 20 cal...again, he only gets about 23-25 ounces a day.
He seems to be very hyper and need a lot of attention/distracting while feeding and we think half the time the milk just spills into his mouth vs. him actually sucking the nipple...we have tried different combinations of formula and bottles with no success....and his arms and legs seem quite stiff through the day.....when we hold him up he never seems to focus on our faces/eyes or when we call to him, but he does many times when lying flat. He also HATES to be in someone's arms or lap flat, only in a semi-upright sitting position.
Our local pediatric GI is telling us he needs a feeding tube, what do you think? any idea what could be wrong with him?
Please discuss with other doctors if needed.
Thanks.
We was born IGUR end of May (2 weeks early, induced because he gained very little weight between 30-38 weeks) and currently today weighs only 12.5 pounds, with a head circumference of 16 inches and length of 25 inches. Doctors think he has acid reflux so takes zantac once a day and omeprazole twice a day...he also may have a milk protein allergy (not confirmed) so giving him nutramagen 20 cal...again, he only gets about 23-25 ounces a day.
He seems to be very hyper and need a lot of attention/distracting while feeding and we think half the time the milk just spills into his mouth vs. him actually sucking the nipple...we have tried different combinations of formula and bottles with no success....and his arms and legs seem quite stiff through the day.....when we hold him up he never seems to focus on our faces/eyes or when we call to him, but he does many times when lying flat. He also HATES to be in someone's arms or lap flat, only in a semi-upright sitting position.
Our local pediatric GI is telling us he needs a feeding tube, what do you think? any idea what could be wrong with him?
Please discuss with other doctors if needed.
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Your child could be a special child and would require additional support.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have very carefully considered the scenario. It seems that the child could possibly have suffered from oxygen deprivation at or around birth. Inherent structural variations could also predispose the child to such conditions. The resultant damage to the brain could lead to problematic effects. Our brain has an inhibitory effect on our body. Reduction of this inhibitory effect can thus render the child apparently hyperactive, with increased muscle tone, and difficulties in achieving milestones. This could be interfering with the feeding and your doctor has rightly advised you to go for a feeding tube. I think that you should go for it. That will also help in avoiding the development of inadvertent aspiration to food to the respiratory system.
Your child needs periodic developmental evaluation. That will help in designing developmental therapy which will ease the attainment of milestones step by step. It will ease the sitting, gradually assist standing and walking. I would advise you to get in touch with a child developmental center close to your residence. Early diagnosis and early intervention is very crucial for prevention of development of disabilities.
You need to stay cautious and have a lot of responsibilities to carry out. With proper and timely interventions your child could attain a normal standard of living.
Regards
Your child could be a special child and would require additional support.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have very carefully considered the scenario. It seems that the child could possibly have suffered from oxygen deprivation at or around birth. Inherent structural variations could also predispose the child to such conditions. The resultant damage to the brain could lead to problematic effects. Our brain has an inhibitory effect on our body. Reduction of this inhibitory effect can thus render the child apparently hyperactive, with increased muscle tone, and difficulties in achieving milestones. This could be interfering with the feeding and your doctor has rightly advised you to go for a feeding tube. I think that you should go for it. That will also help in avoiding the development of inadvertent aspiration to food to the respiratory system.
Your child needs periodic developmental evaluation. That will help in designing developmental therapy which will ease the attainment of milestones step by step. It will ease the sitting, gradually assist standing and walking. I would advise you to get in touch with a child developmental center close to your residence. Early diagnosis and early intervention is very crucial for prevention of development of disabilities.
You need to stay cautious and have a lot of responsibilities to carry out. With proper and timely interventions your child could attain a normal standard of living.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, I want to add that he was vaccumed out during delivery and had a big red spot with soft skin on the back/top (corner) of his head....this took 2 months to go away but maybe its still causing harm? any suggestions?
I also want to add that he sleeps fairly well and plays and smiles and makes sounds a lot...does this change your opinion at all?
I also want to add that he sleeps fairly well and plays and smiles and makes sounds a lot...does this change your opinion at all?
Brief Answer:
Developmental stimulation is very important.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for clarifying. The requirement of vacuum suction during delivery occurs in case of difficult deliveries. In case of difficult delivery, the unborn child might suffer from oxygen crisis and that could possibly related to the problems I am anticipating and have described. The big red spot that was there on top of the head is not actually a cause for concern.
You need not grow anxious about the baby. You just need to ensure that the child gets proper developmental support. With the right supports, the child can grow up to attain a normal level of functioning.
Regards
Developmental stimulation is very important.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for clarifying. The requirement of vacuum suction during delivery occurs in case of difficult deliveries. In case of difficult delivery, the unborn child might suffer from oxygen crisis and that could possibly related to the problems I am anticipating and have described. The big red spot that was there on top of the head is not actually a cause for concern.
You need not grow anxious about the baby. You just need to ensure that the child gets proper developmental support. With the right supports, the child can grow up to attain a normal level of functioning.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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