What is the most likely diagnosis for a 5-year-old girl from sub-Saharan Africa with a 4-week history of diarrhea, presenting with tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), edema (swelling) of the face, abdomen, and legs, listlessness, reddish hair, and low serum albumin concentration (hypoalbuminemia)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board

Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review

Article Review Status

Submitted

Under Review

Approved

Last updated: January 8, 2026 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Related Questions

What complication is not reported in an 8-month-old infant with a history of poor feeding, hepatomegaly, bilateral pitting edema, and coarse brittle hair, weighing 6 kg?

How to manage hypoalbuminemia with edema?

How does hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels) cause edema?

What does a low albumin level of 1.8 on Liver Function Tests (LFT) indicate?

At which symptoms should I check albumin levels?

What is the best course of treatment for a patient with meniscal extrusion after meniscal repair surgery?

What is the best course of treatment for a 56-year-old chronic alcoholic (long-term heavy drinker) with a history of liver disease, presenting with hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black tarry stools), hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), impaired renal function (elevated blood urea nitrogen), coagulopathy (elevated international normalized ratio), and anemia (low hemoglobin), with icteric sclerae (yellowing of the eyes) and spider angioma (skin lesions)?

What is the appropriate workup for a patient with suspected vasculitis?

At what age should a patient with a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer start annual mammogram screenings?

What are the primary hormones regulating serum phosphorus levels?

How can muscle cramps be reduced in an elderly patient with asthma and obesity?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.