Good question but relatively simple to answer: - Kwash oedema will (the vast majority of the time) resolve with proper nutritional treatment. See WHO for latest international guidance: [url]http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/updates_management_SAM_infantandchildren/en/[/url] If the diagnosis it something else (e.g. nephrotic syndrome; heart failure) the oedema will persist. A pragmatic way forward is to start empirical treatment as if it were kwash (you're unlikely to do any harm; most other things do not need as urgent care). Reconsider in more detail/move other 'differentials' up the list if things don't start improving after a day or two. If things do settle (or start to settle - very severe oedema can take a while to subside) then you've got your most likely diagnosis. Other signs of kwash CAN include: flaky paint dermatosis; sparse/discoloured hair; enlarged liver; apathy and lethargy. But note that these are not essential to the diagnosis: they may not be present, especially in early kwash.

Thank marko for the response. My major concern is, if there is any standard criteria for determining whether edema is as a result of kwash