American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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What symptom distinguishes Kwashiorkor from Marasmus?

Severe muscle wasting
Low body fat
Edema
Calorie deficiency

The correct answer is: Edema

Kwashiorkor is characterized by significant nutritional deficiencies, primarily a lack of protein despite adequate calorie intake, which leads to specific symptoms not typically seen in Marasmus. One of the hallmark symptoms of Kwashiorkor is edema, which is the buildup of fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling. This edema occurs due to the lack of protein in the diet, which reduces the osmotic pressure in the blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues. In contrast, Marasmus is primarily associated with severe caloric deficiency and presents with profound muscle wasting and a significant reduction in body fat as the body depletes its energy stores. While both conditions result from malnutrition, the presence of edema is a distinct and differentiating factor that highlights the protein deficiency seen in Kwashiorkor, making it a critical symptom for diagnosis.