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

What is a common characteristic of a child suffering from Kwashiorkor?

1. Low body fat

2. Severe muscle wasting

3. Edema

4. High caloric intake

The correct answer is: Edema

A common characteristic of a child suffering from Kwashiorkor is edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in tissues leading to swelling. This condition is primarily associated with protein deficiency despite the availability of calories. In Kwashiorkor, the lack of protein contributes to impaired synthesis of albumin, a key protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure in blood vessels. When albumin levels drop, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, resulting in the characteristic swelling seen in affected children. In contrast, children who suffer from other forms of malnutrition, such as Marasmus, typically exhibit features like low body fat and severe muscle wasting, but not the generalized edema seen in Kwashiorkor. High caloric intake is not a feature of Kwashiorkor, as the condition is typically related to inadequate protein intake even in the presence of sufficient caloric consumption. Thus, the presence of edema is a defining characteristic of Kwashiorkor, making it the correct answer.