NEET-PG 2017 - Pediatrics Practice Questions

Q: A neonate presents with the clinical features shown in the image below. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Congenital hypothyroidism. ***Congenital hypothyroidism*** - The image shows a neonate with **macroglossia** (large tongue), **umbilical hernia**, and possibly **puffy eyelids** and **dull facies**, all characteristic signs of congenital hypothyroidism. - Other features often include **hypotonia**, **feeding difficulties**, **prolonged jaundice**, and **constipation**. *Down syndrome* - While Down syndrome can present with **hypotonia** and some shared features, the characteristic **epicanthal folds**, **simian crease**, **brushfield spots**, and flattened facial profile are not clearly evident. - Macroglossia is common but other features like an umbilical hernia would be less specific. *Ellis-Van Creveld syndrome* - This syndrome is characterized by **chondroectodermal dysplasia**, typically presenting with **polydactyly**, **short-limbed dwarfism**, **nail dysplasia**, and **cardiac defects**. - These distinct skeletal and ectodermal abnormalities are not visible in the presented image. *Turner syndrome* - Turner syndrome (XO karyotype) primarily affects females and is characterized by **short stature**, **webbed neck**, **lymphedema of hands and feet**, and **cardiac anomalies** (e.g., coarctation of the aorta). - The features shown in the image, such as macroglossia and umbilical hernia, are not typical of Turner syndrome.

Q: A newborn presents with macrosomia, plethoric appearance, and generalized edema. The image shows:

Infant of diabetic mother. ***Infant of diabetic mother*** - The image shows a **macrosomic** infant with a **plethoric appearance**, generalized **edema**, and a **"cherubic" facial appearance** with a prominent philtrum and perioral cyanosis, all characteristic features of an infant of a diabetic mother. - Maternal diabetes leads to fetal **hyperinsulinemia**, resulting in increased fat deposition, organomegaly, and altered growth patterns. *Achondroplasia* - Achondroplasia is characterized by **proximal limb shortening** (rhizomelia), a large head with a prominent forehead, and a flattened nasal bridge. - The pictured infant does not show these specific skeletal dysplasias. *Hemi-hypertrophy* - Hemi-hypertrophy involves **asymmetric growth**, where one side or part of the body is significantly larger than the other. - The infant in the image exhibits generalized, symmetrical macrosomia rather than unilateral overgrowth. *Albright hereditary osteodystrophy* - Albright hereditary osteodystrophy is a genetic disorder associated with short stature, **obesity**, brachydactyly (short digits), and typically presents with features related to **pseudohypoparathyroidism** (e.g., hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia). - The characteristic findings of this syndrome, such as brachydactyly, are not evident in the image.

Q: A 2-day-old neonate under phototherapy unit. For exchange transfusion serum bilirubin-albumin ratio should be: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

$>3.5$. ***$>3.5$*** - A **serum bilirubin-albumin ratio greater than 3.5** is a common guideline indicating the need for exchange transfusion in neonates, especially those at high risk or with rapidly rising bilirubin levels. - This ratio helps assess the risk of **bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity (kernicterus)**, as unbound (free) bilirubin can cross the blood-brain barrier [1]. *$ 35$* - A serum bilirubin-albumin ratio of **greater than 35** would represent an extremely high and clinically improbable value. - Clinically, the bilirubin-albumin ratio is typically used with values in the single digits, making a value of 35 or higher incongruent with standard medical guidelines. *$<35$* - While technically true that $<35$ would include the correct threshold, it is not sufficiently specific to denote the critical value for exchange transfusion. - This range is too broad and does not pinpoint the specific bilirubin-albumin ratio that prompts intervention.

Q: All are true about the swelling on scalp of a 2-day old neonate except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Heals from periphery. ***Heals from periphery*** - This is the **INCORRECT statement** about cephalohematoma in a neonate - Cephalohematomas do NOT heal from the periphery like a skin wound - Instead, the blood clot gradually **liquefies and is reabsorbed** over weeks to months (typically 2-3 months) - Resorption occurs uniformly or may even start centrally, not from the edges - This is the **exception** among the given statements *Sub-periosteal bleeding with gradual hardening* - This accurately describes **cephalohematoma**, a common birth injury - It is a **subperiosteal collection of blood** confined by suture lines - The blood undergoes **organization and calcification** over time, leading to gradual hardening - A bony rim may be palpable at the edges after 2-3 weeks *Can lead to prolongation of physiological Jaundice* - Breakdown of red blood cells within the cephalohematoma releases **bilirubin** - This increased bilirubin load can contribute to **prolonged physiological jaundice** - The large blood collection acts as an extravascular source of bilirubin *Painless* - Cephalohematoma is generally **painless** to touch for the neonate - Unlike caput succedaneum or infections, the blood collection does not cause acute pain - The swelling may appear large but is not tender

Q: Which of the following interventions is being done in this neonate?

Nasal CPAP and orogastric tube to decompress stomach. ***Nasal CPAP and orogastric tube to decompress stomach*** - The image shows a neonate with a device inserted into the nostrils for **nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP)**, used to support breathing. - Additionally, a tube is visible in the neonate's mouth leading to the stomach, which is an **orogastric (OG) tube** used for feeding or stomach decompression, especially important when using CPAP as air can be swallowed. *Positive pressure ventilation and NG tube to decompress stomach* - This option refers to positive pressure ventilation, which typically involves an **endotracheal tube** or mask/bag, neither of which is clearly depicted as the primary respiratory support. - An **NG tube (nasogastric tube)** would be inserted through the nose, but the tube shown for gastric access is in the mouth (orogastric). *Surfactant therapy and NG tube to decompress stomach* - **Surfactant therapy** is administered directly into the lungs, usually via an endotracheal tube, and is not a visible intervention in the image itself. - As noted previously, the tube for gastric decompression appears to be **orogastric**, not nasogastric. *Oxygen hood* - An **oxygen hood** is a clear plastic dome placed over the neonate's head to deliver oxygen, which is not what is shown in the image. - The visible tubes are for respiratory support and gastric access, indicating a more direct and invasive form of intervention than an oxygen hood.

Q: A 3-year-old child presents with sudden onset generalized petechiae and bruise on forehead. Sternal tenderness is absent and liver and spleen are not palpable. Bone marrow aspiration is normal. Probable cause is? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Acute ITP. ***Acute ITP*** - A 3-year-old child presenting with **sudden onset petechiae and ecchymoses (bruise on forehead)**, without signs of systemic illness (no sternal tenderness, non-palpable liver/spleen), and a normal bone marrow is highly suggestive of **Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)**. ITP is characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia due to autoimmune destruction of platelets. - The **normal bone marrow**, in particular, rules out conditions like leukemia and aplastic anemia, where bone marrow pathology would be evident. *Aplastic anemia* - **Aplastic anemia** would typically present with **pancytopenia** (affecting all blood cell lines), leading to symptoms like pallor, fatigue, infections, and bleeding. - A **bone marrow aspiration** in aplastic anemia would show a **hypocellular marrow** with a reduction in hematopoietic cells, which contradicts the "normal" finding in this case. *Acute leukemia* - **Acute leukemia** in children often presents with **bone pain (sternal tenderness)**, fever, fatigue, and organomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen) due to infiltration of leukemic cells. - A **bone marrow aspiration** would reveal a **hypercellular marrow** with a large proportion of blasts, which is not consistent with the "normal" bone marrow finding provided. *Dengue hemorrhagic fever* - **Dengue hemorrhagic fever** typically presents with symptoms like high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and often signs of bleeding (like petechiae and bruising) and can lead to severe thrombocytopenia. - However, it is usually preceded by a **fever** and other systemic symptoms, which are not mentioned in this sudden onset presentation in the given case scenario.

Q: A 6-month-old child brought by parents for diffuse ecchymosis on extremities and trunk. Probable diagnosis is? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Protein C deficiency. ***Protein C deficiency*** - A 6-month-old with **diffuse ecchymoses on extremities and trunk** is classic for **homozygous protein C deficiency** presenting as **purpura fulminans**. - Severe congenital protein C deficiency typically manifests in **early infancy** (within first few weeks to months) with widespread purpuric lesions, skin necrosis, and thrombotic complications. - The presentation includes **large ecchymotic patches** that can progress to necrosis, affecting extremities and trunk as described. - This is the **most likely diagnosis** for this age group and clinical presentation in the absence of other systemic features. *Disseminated intravascular coagulation* - DIC causes diffuse bleeding and purpura due to consumption coagulopathy and microthrombi formation. - However, DIC is a **secondary complication** requiring an underlying trigger (sepsis, trauma, malignancy) with acute systemic illness. - The child would typically present with **multiple bleeding sites**, systemic signs, and evidence of the underlying condition—not isolated ecchymosis. *A.P.L.A.S (Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome)* - Neonatal antiphospholipid syndrome from maternal antibodies presents in the **neonatal period** (first 28 days of life), not at 6 months. - APLAS primarily causes **thrombotic events** (stroke, renal vein thrombosis) rather than diffuse ecchymosis alone. - This diagnosis is **extremely rare** in infancy and would not be the probable diagnosis for isolated ecchymotic presentation at this age. *Dengue hemorrhagic fever* - Dengue requires **exposure in endemic areas** and presents with fever, headache, myalgia, and characteristic rash followed by hemorrhagic manifestations. - More common in **older children and adults**; the 6-month-old age and absence of fever/systemic symptoms make this unlikely. - The clinical picture describes ecchymosis without mention of fever or other dengue features.

Q: A 6-month-old infant with a progressively increasing abdominal lump. Investigations revealed a stage IVs neuroblastoma. All are correct about the condition except:

Most common stage of neuroblastoma. ***Most common stage of neuroblastoma*** - Stage IVs neuroblastoma is typically seen in infants under 1 year of age, but it is **not the most common stage** overall. - While it has distinct features, stage IV (disseminated disease with distant metastases) is generally considered the most common presentation of neuroblastoma at diagnosis across all age groups. *Favorable prognosis* - Stage IVs neuroblastoma generally has a **favorable prognosis** due to its unique biological behavior compared to other advanced stages. - This stage is characterized by **spontaneous regression** in many cases, contributing to better outcomes despite widespread disease. *Can regress spontaneously* - A hallmark of Stage IVs neuroblastoma is the potential for **spontaneous regression**, often without intensive therapy. - This characteristic is attributed to specific biological features of the tumor cells in this subset of patients. *Low dose cyclophosphamide* - For stage IVs neuroblastoma, particularly in symptomatic cases, **low-dose chemotherapy**, such as cyclophosphamide, is often used. - The goal is to manage symptoms and encourage regression rather than aggressive eradication, given the tumor's favorable biology.

Q: All are true about the child shown in the image except:

Delayed skin pinch. ***Delayed skin pinch*** - Delayed skin pinch, also known as **poor skin turgor**, is a sign of **dehydration**, which is more characteristic of **kwashiorkor** or severe acute malnutrition with significant fluid loss, rather than marasmus alone. - In marasmus, although there is severe wasting, **skin turgor is often preserved** due to the absence of significant edema. - This is the **EXCEPTION** - it is NOT a typical feature of pure marasmus. *Baggy pants appearance* - The **extreme loss of subcutaneous fat and muscle mass** in marasmus causes the skin around the buttocks and thighs to hang loosely, creating a "baggy pants" or "old man" appearance. - This is a **hallmark feature** indicating severe wasting in marasmus. *Apathy* - Children with severe marasmus often exhibit **apathy, irritability, and decreased activity**, reflecting their profound energy deficit and associated psychological distress. - This is a common neurological and behavioral manifestation of **severe malnutrition**. *Reduced MAC* - **Mid-upper arm circumference (MAC)** is severely reduced in marasmus due to the significant loss of both fat and muscle tissue in the upper arm. - A **MAC less than 11.5 cm** is a key diagnostic criterion for **severe acute malnutrition** in children aged 6-59 months.

Q: A 1-month-old baby brought by the mother complaining of a mass on back associated with wetness and inability of both legs to move ever since birth. Possible diagnosis: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Meningomyelocele. ***Meningomyelocele*** - This is a severe form of spina bifida where the **spinal cord and nerves protrude** through an opening in the back, encased in a fluid-filled sac. - The associated symptoms of a **mass on the back**, **wetness** (due to neurogenic bladder/bowel), and **inability to move both legs** (paralysis from nerve damage) are classic for meningomyelocele. *Pilonidal cyst* - A pilonidal cyst is usually a **small sinus or cyst** found at the top of the natal cleft (buttock crease) and is typically acquired or presents later in life. - While it can cause discharge/wetness if infected, it does **not cause neurological deficits** like leg paralysis in an infant. *Spina bifida* - Spina bifida is a broader term for a birth defect where there is **incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord**. - While meningomyelocele is a type of spina bifida, and the symptoms fit, **meningomyelocele is a more specific and accurate diagnosis** given the description of a protruding mass and severe neurological deficits. *Sacrococcygeal teratoma* - A sacrococcygeal teratoma is a **tumor** that develops at the base of the tailbone, often appearing as a large mass. - While it's a mass on the back, it is typically a **solid or cystic tumor** and does not primarily present with wetness due to neurological incontinence or paralysis of the lower limbs.

Question 1

A neonate presents with the clinical features shown in the image below. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Congenital hypothyroidism

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Ellis-Van Creveld syndrome

Answer

Turner syndrome

Question 2

A newborn presents with macrosomia, plethoric appearance, and generalized edema. The image shows:

Accepted Answer

Infant of diabetic mother

Answer

Achondroplasia

Answer

Hemi-hypertrophy

Answer

Albright hereditary osteodystrophy

Question 3

A 2-day-old neonate under phototherapy unit. For exchange transfusion serum bilirubin-albumin ratio should be: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

$>3.5$

Answer

$<3.5$

Answer

$>35$

Answer

$<35$

Question 4

All are true about the swelling on scalp of a 2-day old neonate except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Heals from periphery

Answer

Can lead to prolongation of physiological Jaundice

Answer

Painless

Answer

Sub-periosteal bleeding with gradual hardening

Question 5

Which of the following interventions is being done in this neonate?

Accepted Answer

Nasal CPAP and orogastric tube to decompress stomach

Answer

Positive pressure ventilation and NG tube to decompress stomach

Answer

Surfactant therapy and NG tube to decompress stomach

Answer

Oxygen hood

Question 6

A 3-year-old child presents with sudden onset generalized petechiae and bruise on forehead. Sternal tenderness is absent and liver and spleen are not palpable. Bone marrow aspiration is normal. Probable cause is? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Acute ITP

Answer

Aplastic anemia

Answer

Acute leukemia

Answer

Dengue hemorrhagic fever

Question 7

A 6-month-old child brought by parents for diffuse ecchymosis on extremities and trunk. Probable diagnosis is? (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Protein C deficiency

Answer

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Answer

A.P.L.A.S

Answer

Dengue hemorrhagic fever

Question 8

A 6-month-old infant with a progressively increasing abdominal lump. Investigations revealed a stage IVs neuroblastoma. All are correct about the condition except:

Accepted Answer

Most common stage of neuroblastoma

Answer

Favorable prognosis

Answer

Can regress spontaneously

Answer

Low dose cyclophosphamide

Question 9

All are true about the child shown in the image except:

Accepted Answer

Delayed skin pinch

Answer

Baggy pants appearance

Answer

Apathy

Answer

Reduced MAC

Question 10

A 1-month-old baby brought by the mother complaining of a mass on back associated with wetness and inability of both legs to move ever since birth. Possible diagnosis: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Meningomyelocele

Answer

Pilonidal cyst

Answer

Spina bifida

Answer

Sacrococcygeal teratoma

NEET-PG 2017 — Pediatrics