Question

A laborer's younger child is brought to the OPD with a swollen belly and dull face. He has been fed rice water (rice milk) in his diet mostly. On investigations, the child is found to have low serum protein, low serum protein, and low albumin. What is the probable diagnosis?

• A. Kwashiorkor
• B. Marasmus
• C. Indian childhood cirrhosis
• D. Kawasaki disease

Hint:

Kwashiorkor is due to protein deficiency and is associated with edema and low serum albumin levels. It is common in children with inadequate protein intake despite normal caloric intake.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Kwashiorkor: This is the correct answer. Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) that occurs primarily due to protein deficiency, despite adequate calorie intake. It typically presents with edema, swollen belly, dull face, and low serum albumin levels, as seen in this child. The consumption of rice water as a main diet source without adequate protein intake contributes to this condition.
Marasmus: Marasmus is another form of protein-energy malnutrition, but it is caused by severe calorie deficiency rather than just protein deficiency. It leads to wasting, muscle loss, and thin extremities, rather than the edema seen in kwashiorkor.
Indian childhood cirrhosis: This is a condition associated with cholestasis and liver dysfunction in children, not with malnutrition. It is characterized by hepatomegaly and jaundice, but not typically by the signs seen in this patient.
Kawasaki disease: Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory condition that affects children and primarily causes fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and coronary artery aneurysms. It does not present with protein malnutrition or edema. Thus, the correct answer is Kwashiorkor (1), as the presentation of swollen belly, dull face, and low protein levels is characteristic of this condition.