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Kwashiorkor or marasmus?
Paediatrics · exam-style practice question with explanation
A 2-year-old with severe malnutrition has bilateral pitting oedema of the feet, flaky skin and thin, pale hair. Which form of malnutrition is this?
- A. Marasmus
- B. Kwashiorkor
- C. Rickets
- D. Scurvy
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. Kwashiorkor
Bilateral pitting oedema is the hallmark of kwashiorkor (oedematous malnutrition), often with skin and hair changes and an enlarged fatty liver. Marasmus is severe wasting without oedema. Any child with bilateral pitting oedema has severe acute malnutrition.
Key point: Oedema = kwashiorkor. Severe wasting without oedema = marasmus.
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