Gastroenterology Practice Questions

Q: What is the concentration of sodium in low osmolar ORS?

75 mEq/L. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **75 mEq/L**. In 2004, the WHO and UNICEF recommended the use of **Low Osmolarity ORS** to improve the efficacy of oral rehydration therapy. The primary goal was to reduce the risk of hypernatremia and decrease the need for unscheduled IV fluids by lowering the total osmolarity from 311 mOsm/L to **245 mOsm/L**. **Why 75 mEq/L is correct:** In Low Osmolar ORS, the sodium concentration is reduced to 75 mEq/L (down from 90 mEq/L). This concentration is optimal for the glucose-coupled sodium transport mechanism in the small intestine while minimizing the osmotic penalty that can worsen diarrhea. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A (45 mEq/L):** This is the sodium concentration found in ReSoMal (Rehydration Solution for Malnutrition), used specifically for children with severe acute malnutrition. * **Option C (90 mEq/L):** This was the sodium concentration in the **Standard (Old) WHO ORS**. While effective for cholera, it was found to increase stool output and risk of hypernatremia in non-cholera pediatric diarrhea. * **Option D (60 mEq/L):** This is a common concentration in many commercial "maintenance" electrolyte solutions but is not the WHO standard for low osmolar ORS. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Composition of Low Osmolar ORS (per liter):** Sodium (75 mEq), Chloride (65 mEq), Glucose (75 mmol), Potassium (20 mEq), and Citrate (10 mmol). * **Total Osmolarity:** 245 mOsm/L. * **Glucose:Sodium Ratio:** 1:1 (Essential for optimal co-transport). * **Zinc Supplementation:** Always give Zinc (20 mg/day for 14 days; 10 mg for infants <6 months) alongside ORS to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.

Q: What is the most characteristic feature of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

The pyloric tumour is best felt during feeding. ### Explanation **Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (CHPS)** is characterized by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the circular muscle layers of the pylorus, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. **Why Option B is Correct:** The "pyloric tumor" is an olive-shaped mass (the hypertrophied pylorus) felt in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant. It is **best felt during feeding** because feeding relaxes the abdominal wall muscles and initiates gastric peristalsis, which helps push the pylorus against the examiner's fingers. Once the child vomits, the stomach empties, and the tumor often becomes easier to palpate. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** CHPS classically affects the **first-born male child** (Male:Female ratio is 4:1). * **Option C:** While chronic cases can lead to weight loss, the patient is typically **not marasmic** at presentation. They appear hungry and "alert" rather than lethargic, as the obstruction is mechanical and occurs in an otherwise healthy infant. * **Option D:** There is **no loss of appetite**. In fact, these infants are famously "hungry vomiters"—they eagerly demand to be refed immediately after an episode of projectile vomiting. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Presentation:** Non-bilious, projectile vomiting at 3–6 weeks of life. * **Metabolic Profile:** Hypochloremic, hypokalemic, metabolic alkalosis with **paradoxical aciduria**. * **Imaging:** Ultrasound is the investigation of choice (Pyloric muscle thickness >4mm, length >14mm). Barium swallow shows the "String sign" or "Beak sign." * **Management:** Initial priority is fluid resuscitation (Normal Saline). Definitive treatment is **Ramstedt’s Pyloromyotomy**.

Q: A 4-year-old girl presents with severe vomiting after a viral fever of 6 days and subsequently develops cerebral edema. What would be the expected liver biopsy finding?

Marked microvesicular steatosis. ### Explanation The clinical presentation of a child developing severe vomiting and cerebral edema (encephalopathy) following a viral prodrome is classic for **Reye’s Syndrome**. This condition is strongly associated with the use of **aspirin (salicylates)** during viral illnesses like Influenza B or Varicella. #### Why Option B is Correct The hallmark pathological finding in Reye’s Syndrome is **marked microvesicular steatosis**. This occurs due to mitochondrial dysfunction, which impairs fatty acid oxidation. Small droplets of fat accumulate within the hepatocytes without displacing the nucleus. Unlike many other liver diseases, there is typically **minimal to no inflammation** or jaundice, despite significantly elevated liver enzymes and ammonia levels. #### Why Other Options are Incorrect * **A. Centrizonal haemorrhagic necrosis:** This is characteristic of **congestive heart failure** (Nutmeg liver) or **Budd-Chiari syndrome**, resulting from venous congestion around the central vein. * **C. Ring granuloma:** These are "doughnut-shaped" lesions typically seen in **Q fever** (*Coxiella burnetii*) or occasionally in Allopurinol hypersensitivity. * **D. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH):** This typically presents with **macrovesicular steatosis** (large fat droplets displacing the nucleus), Mallory-Denk bodies, and inflammation, usually in adults with metabolic syndrome. #### NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls * **Pathophysiology:** Mitochondrial injury $\rightarrow$ Hyperammonemia (due to urea cycle failure) $\rightarrow$ Cerebral edema. * **Biopsy:** Microvesicular steatosis is also seen in **Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP)** and **Sodium Valproate toxicity**. * **Clinical Tip:** Always look for the "Aspirin + Viral Fever" trigger in the history. * **Management:** Supportive care; focus on reducing intracranial pressure (Mannitol) and correcting hypoglycemia.

Q: All are seen in Reye's syndrome except?

Aminoaciduria. **Explanation:** Reye’s Syndrome is an acute encephalopathy associated with fatty degeneration of the liver, typically following a viral illness (Influenza B or Varicella) treated with **salicylates (aspirin)**. The core pathology is **mitochondrial dysfunction**, leading to a failure of the urea cycle and fatty acid oxidation. **Why Aminoaciduria is the Correct Answer:** While Reye’s syndrome involves significant hepatic and metabolic derangement, **aminoaciduria is not a characteristic feature**. Aminoaciduria is typically seen in conditions involving proximal renal tubular dysfunction (like Fanconi syndrome) or specific metabolic disorders (like Wilson’s disease). In Reye’s, the primary insult is mitochondrial, affecting the liver and brain rather than causing generalized renal tubular protein loss. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Metabolic Acidosis:** Impaired mitochondrial function leads to the accumulation of lactate and ketone bodies, resulting in a high anion gap metabolic acidosis. * **Increased Serum Transaminases:** Liver biopsy shows microvesicular steatosis. This hepatic damage causes a significant rise (usually >3 times normal) in AST and ALT. * **Respiratory Alkalosis:** This is a common early finding in Reye’s syndrome due to central hyperventilation caused by cerebral edema and direct stimulation of the respiratory center by hyperammonemia. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Histology:** Characterized by **microvesicular steatosis**; notably, there is an **absence of inflammation**. * **Biochemical Hallmarks:** Hyperammonemia (prognostic indicator), hypoglycemia, and prolonged Prothrombin Time (PT). * **Bilirubin:** Interestingly, serum bilirubin levels are usually **normal** or only slightly elevated, despite severe liver enzyme elevation. * **Mitochondria:** Electron microscopy shows "amoeboid" swelling and distortion of mitochondrial cristae.

Q: A 5-day-old term male neonate presents with delayed passage of meconium, abdominal distension, and bilious vomiting. Barium enema and intestinal biopsy findings are shown. What is the diagnosis?

Congenital aganglionic megacolon. ***Congenital aganglionic megacolon*** - **Delayed meconium passage** beyond 48 hours, **abdominal distension**, and **bilious vomiting** in a neonate are classic signs of **Hirschsprung's disease**. - **Barium enema** shows characteristic **transition zone** between dilated proximal colon and narrow distal segment, while **rectal biopsy** confirms **absence of ganglion cells** in the myenteric plexus. *Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis* - Presents with **non-bilious projectile vomiting** typically at 2-8 weeks of age, not in the first few days of life. - Associated with **palpable olive-shaped mass** in the epigastrium and **gastric outlet obstruction**, not colonic obstruction with delayed meconium passage. *Cystic fibrosis* - Can cause **meconium ileus** in newborns, but this involves **small bowel obstruction** with thick, inspissated meconium in the terminal ileum. - **Barium enema** would show **microcolon** and **soap bubble sign** in the right lower quadrant, not the transition zone seen in Hirschsprung's disease. *Intestinal malrotation* - Presents with **bilious vomiting** due to **midgut volvulus**, but typically occurs within the first few weeks to months of life. - **Upper GI series** would show **duodenal obstruction** with **corkscrew appearance** of the small bowel, and **rectal biopsy** would be normal with ganglion cells present.

Q: What is the most common genetic cause of liver disease in children?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. **Explanation:** **Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency** is the most common genetic cause of liver disease in children and the most frequent genetic indication for liver transplantation in the pediatric population. The underlying mechanism involves a point mutation in the **SERPINA1 gene** (most commonly the **PiZZ genotype**). This mutation causes the AAT protein to misfold within the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes. These misfolded proteins cannot be secreted into the bloodstream, leading to intrahepatic accumulation (visible as **PAS-positive, diastase-resistant globules** on histology) and subsequent liver injury, ranging from neonatal cholestasis to cirrhosis. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Hemochromatosis:** While it is a common genetic liver disease in adults, it rarely manifests in childhood as iron accumulation takes decades to cause significant organ damage (except for the rare Neonatal Hemochromatosis, which is now considered an alloimmune disorder). * **C. Cystic Fibrosis:** Although CF can cause biliary cirrhosis due to inspissated bile, it is less common than AAT deficiency as a primary cause of pediatric liver failure. * **D. Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD):** GSDs (like Type I or IV) can cause hepatomegaly and cirrhosis, but their overall incidence is significantly lower than AAT deficiency. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Inheritance:** Autosomal Co-dominant. * **Diagnosis:** Low serum AAT levels; confirmed by **Phenotyping (Pi-typing)** or Genotyping. * **Extra-hepatic manifestation:** Panacinar emphysema (usually in adults/smokers). * **Histology:** PAS-positive, diastase-resistant globules are the pathognomonic hallmark.

Q: Which degree of dehydration is indicated by thirst in a child with diarrhea?

Mild. ### Explanation In the clinical assessment of dehydration due to diarrhea (based on WHO and IAP guidelines), **thirst** is the earliest clinical sign of fluid deficit. **1. Why "Mild" is correct:** According to the traditional classification of dehydration: * **Mild Dehydration (3–5% fluid loss):** The body compensates for early fluid loss by stimulating the thirst center in the hypothalamus. At this stage, the child is alert but **thirsty** and eager to drink. Other signs like skin turgor and fontanelles remain mostly normal. * **Note on WHO Classification:** In the current WHO "IMNCI" classification, "Some Dehydration" (which encompasses mild-to-moderate) is characterized by a child who is "thirsty/drinks eagerly." **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Moderate Dehydration (6–9%):** While the child remains thirsty, more systemic signs appear, such as sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, and a slow return of the skin pinch (loss of turgor). * **Severe Dehydration (≥10%):** At this critical stage, the child often becomes too lethargic or unconscious to drink. Therefore, the child is **unable to drink** or drinks poorly, rather than being simply "thirsty." This is a medical emergency requiring IV fluids. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Earliest Sign:** Thirst is the earliest subjective sign; **tachycardia** is often the earliest objective sign of dehydration. * **Best Indicator:** The most accurate way to assess the degree of dehydration is **percentage of body weight loss**. * **Skin Pinch:** In severe dehydration, the skin pinch goes back **very slowly** (>2 seconds). * **Management:** Mild/Some dehydration is managed with **ORS (Plan B)**, while Severe dehydration requires **Ringer’s Lactate (Plan C)**.

Q: A 10-year-old male child presents with a 2-day history of pain in the left hypochondrium. His Hb is 9.69%. His mother reports episodes of passing black-colored stools occurring 7 days prior and on 2-3 occasions over the past 2 years. During these episodes, he experienced fatigability while playing and was unable to keep up with his peers. Which of the following findings will be most helpful in arriving at a clinical diagnosis?

Palpable spleen. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation of recurrent melena (black-colored stools), fatigability (anemia), and left hypochondriac pain in a 10-year-old child strongly suggests **Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction (EHPVO)** leading to **Portal Hypertension**. 1. **Why "Palpable Spleen" is correct:** In pediatric cases of portal hypertension, the most common cause is EHPVO. The hallmark clinical finding is **massive splenomegaly** (causing left hypochondriac pain/fullness) and **esophageal varices** (causing upper GI bleeds/melena). A palpable spleen confirms portal hypertension and explains the sequestration of cells and the source of the bleeding. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Pallor:** While present due to chronic/acute blood loss, pallor is a non-specific finding of anemia and does not help differentiate the *cause* of the GI bleed. * **Jaundice:** EHPVO is a pre-hepatic cause of portal hypertension; therefore, liver function is typically preserved, and jaundice is usually **absent**. Its presence would suggest cirrhosis, which is less common in this age group without other systemic signs. * **Free fluid (Ascites):** Ascites is rare in EHPVO because hepatic synthetic function is normal. It is more characteristic of post-hepatic or intra-hepatic (cirrhotic) causes. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **EHPVO** is the most common cause of portal hypertension and upper GI bleed in children in India. * **Classic Triad:** Splenomegaly, Variceal bleeding, and Normal liver functions. * **Investigation of Choice:** Color Doppler Ultrasound (shows "Cavernoma" formation/Portal cavernoma). * **Management:** Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (EVL) for bleeding; Rex Shunt (Meso-portal bypass) is the definitive surgical treatment.

Q: At the time of delivery, a woman is noted to have a large volume of amniotic fluid. At 6 hours of age, her baby begins regurgitating small amounts of mucus and bile-stained fluid. Physical examination of the infant is normal, and an abdominal x-ray is obtained. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis of this infant's disorder?

Duodenal atresia. ***Duodenal atresia*** - **Polyhydramnios** at delivery combined with **bile-stained vomiting** within hours of birth indicates **post-ampullary obstruction**, classic for duodenal atresia. - Abdominal X-ray shows the pathognomonic **"double bubble" sign** representing dilated stomach and proximal duodenum with no distal gas. *Gastric duplication* - This rare congenital anomaly typically presents with a **palpable abdominal mass** and feeding intolerance, not immediate bile-stained vomiting. - Usually diagnosed later in infancy and doesn't cause **polyhydramnios** or the characteristic imaging findings seen here. *Pyloric stenosis* - Presents with **non-bilious projectile vomiting** typically between **2-8 weeks of age**, not within hours of birth. - Associated with **metabolic alkalosis** and **palpable pyloric mass**, without polyhydramnios or bile-stained emesis. *Esophageal atresia* - Causes **non-bilious vomiting** and **excessive oral secretions** with inability to pass nasogastric tube into stomach. - While associated with **polyhydramnios**, the obstruction is **proximal** (esophageal) so bile-stained vomiting would not occur.

Question 1

Most common cause of portal hypertension in children is _______?

Accepted Answer

Extrahepatic compression

Answer

Budd-Chiari syndrome

Answer

Veno-occlusive disease

Answer

Post-necrotic

Question 2

What is the concentration of sodium in low osmolar ORS?

Accepted Answer

75 mEq/L

Answer

45 mEq/L

Answer

90 mEq/L

Answer

60 mEq/L

Question 3

What is the most characteristic feature of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

Accepted Answer

The pyloric tumour is best felt during feeding

Answer

Affects the first-born female child

Answer

The patient is commonly marasmic

Answer

Loss of appetite occurs early

Question 4

A 4-year-old girl presents with severe vomiting after a viral fever of 6 days and subsequently develops cerebral edema. What would be the expected liver biopsy finding?

Accepted Answer

Marked microvesicular steatosis

Answer

Centrizonal haemorrhagic necrosis

Answer

Ring granuloma

Answer

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Question 5

All are seen in Reye's syndrome except?

Accepted Answer

Aminoaciduria

Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Answer

Increased serum transaminases

Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 6

A 5-day-old term male neonate presents with delayed passage of meconium, abdominal distension, and bilious vomiting. Barium enema and intestinal biopsy findings are shown. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Congenital aganglionic megacolon

Answer

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Intestinal malrotation

Question 7

What is the most common genetic cause of liver disease in children?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Answer

Hemochromatosis

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Glycogen storage disease

Question 8

Which degree of dehydration is indicated by thirst in a child with diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

Mild

Answer

Moderate

Answer

Severe

Answer

None

Question 9

A 10-year-old male child presents with a 2-day history of pain in the left hypochondrium. His Hb is 9.69%. His mother reports episodes of passing black-colored stools occurring 7 days prior and on 2-3 occasions over the past 2 years. During these episodes, he experienced fatigability while playing and was unable to keep up with his peers. Which of the following findings will be most helpful in arriving at a clinical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Palpable spleen

Answer

Pallor

Answer

Jaundice

Answer

Free fluid in the abdomen

Question 10

At the time of delivery, a woman is noted to have a large volume of amniotic fluid. At 6 hours of age, her baby begins regurgitating small amounts of mucus and bile-stained fluid. Physical examination of the infant is normal, and an abdominal x-ray is obtained. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis of this infant's disorder?

Accepted Answer

Duodenal atresia

Answer

Gastric duplication

Answer

Pyloric stenosis

Answer

Esophageal atresia

Gastroenterology — MCQs

Gastroenterology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?