A 36-month-old male child appears chronically ill. He has had a succession of respiratory infections in the past 6-months. The child is underdeveloped, only 50% of ideal body weight, and exhibits marked muscle wasting. Laboratory findings include a normal serum albumin but decreased hemoglobin. These findings are most characteristic for which of the following?
Marasmus is characterized by gross muscle wasting and subcutaneous tissue resulting in emaciation, marked stunting and no edema.
Marasmus
Leukemia
Folate Deficiency
Kwashiorkor