Osteopathic Management of Pediatric Feeding Disorder, Oral Aversion, and Growth Faltering: A Case Report

Abstract

Growth faltering is a complex problem in the pediatric population and can result from multiple mechanisms, including inadequate caloric intake. Feeding difficulties are common among children with growth faltering and can present significant challenges for achieving adequate nutrition and weight gain, particularly when coupled with any degree of oral aversion. The patient in this case is a 21-month-old child with oral aversion, pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), and growth faltering who had failed to gain weight while receiving the standard of care. Upon transitioning his care to an osteopathic pediatrician, who incorporated osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) into his care, he demonstrated weight gain, which was sustained over the 8 months of this study. This case report demonstrates the potential benefit of OMT for children with PFD, oral aversion, and growth faltering.