Which of the following is NOT a sign of marasmus?

Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency and is typically seen in starvation situations. It is often manifested by significant weight loss, low anthropometric measurements (like height-for-age or weight-for-age), and severe protein wasting due to the body's breakdown of muscle and fat for energy.

The presence of edema, on the other hand, is primarily associated with kwashiorkor, another form of malnutrition that results from severe protein deficiency with adequate caloric intake, leading to fluid retention. Therefore, the absence of edema is a hallmark of marasmus, making it distinct from kwashiorkor. In marasmus, the body does not retain fluids; instead, it loses muscle mass and fat stores, often resulting in emaciation. Thus, identifying that edema is not a sign of marasmus is crucial for distinguishing it from other malnutrition conditions.