Edema generally accounts for ten to thirty percent of bodyweight. However, in severe kwashiorkor cases, the proportion can even reach 50%.
Pitting edema is graded on a scale of one to four. The scaling depends on both the “pit” leaves and depth and how long the pit will remain.
2mm or less: slight pitting, no visible distortion, disappears rapidly.
2+
2-4mm indent: somewhat deeper pit, no readably detectable distortion, disappears in 10-25 seconds.
3+
4-6mm: pit is noticeably deep. May last more than a minute. Dependent extremity looks swollen and fuller.
4+
6-8mm: pit is very deep. Lasts for 2-5 minutes. Dependent extremity is grossly distorted.