During a famine, survivors confined to a relief camp develop diffuse pitting edema of the legs and face despite progressive wasting. The primary mechanism of this famine edema is:
- A Portal hypertension from hepatic cirrhosis
- B Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure from cardiac failure
- C Reduced plasma oncotic pressure from hypoalbuminemia ✓
- D Lymphatic obstruction from recurrent cellulitis
Correct answer: C. Reduced plasma oncotic pressure from hypoalbuminemia
Explanation
Hunger edema of famine results from inadequate protein intake causing hypoalbuminemia, which lowers plasma oncotic pressure and allows transudation of fluid into the tissues. It characteristically appears in the dependent parts and face while the victim is simultaneously losing weight. Cardiac failure, portal hypertension, and lymphatic obstruction each raise hydrostatic pressure or block drainage rather than reducing oncotic pressure, and none is the accepted mechanism here.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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