What is the condition in which infants under extended hospital care in nonstimulating environments fail to gain weight?

The condition in which infants under extended hospital care in nonstimulating environments fail to gain weight is known as deprivation dwarfism. This phenomenon occurs when children experience a lack of emotional and social interaction, alongside inadequate physical stimulation. In such environments, infants can show significant growth delays due to the absence of the nurturing experiences typically provided through caregiver interaction and the stimulation of their environment, which are crucial for their development.

Deprivation dwarfism is characterized by stunted growth and poor weight gain, which often can revert once the child is moved to a more stimulating and nurturing environment. This demonstrates the critical role that emotional and social factors play in physical development. The term encapsulates not only the physical aspects of growth but also highlights the interplay between emotional health and physical well-being, showing that nurture is just as important as nutrition in early childhood development.