In Protein-Energy Malnutrition, which biochemical marker BEST differentiates kwashiorkor from marasmus?

• A Serum albumin — markedly low in kwashiorkor, relatively preserved in marasmus ✓
• B Blood glucose — hypoglycaemia occurs only in kwashiorkor
• C Serum sodium — hypernatraemia distinguishes kwashiorkor from marasmus
• D Haemoglobin — haemolytic anaemia is specific to kwashiorkor

Explanation

In kwashiorkor, the predominant protein deficiency (despite adequate calorie intake) leads to markedly reduced serum albumin (< 2.5 g/dL), oedema, and fatty liver. In marasmus, calorie deprivation predominates, and while protein stores are depleted, albumin is relatively preserved due to adaptive reduction in protein catabolism. Hypoglycaemia can occur in both severe forms. Serum sodium disturbances occur in both, and haemolytic anaemia is not specific to either form.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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