FMGE 2017 — Pediatrics

Q: In a newly diagnosed case of a sick child with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), insulin was given. Which of the following will increase:

pH. ***pH*** - In newly diagnosed, uncontrolled **Type 1 DM**, patients often present with **diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)**, leading to metabolic acidosis and a **critically low pH** (typically <7.3). - Administering insulin corrects the underlying metabolic derangements, reducing **ketoacid production** and allowing the body's **buffer systems** to restore pH towards normal. - **Correction of acidosis** is the **primary therapeutic goal** and the most clinically significant parameter that increases with insulin therapy in DKA. *Breathing rate* - In **DKA**, patients often exhibit **Kussmaul respirations** (deep, rapid breathing) as a compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2 and reduce acidosis. - As insulin therapy corrects the acidosis, the need for this compensatory mechanism decreases, leading to a **reduction**, not an increase, in breathing rate. *Urine osmolality* - In uncontrolled **Type 1 DM** and **DKA**, high blood glucose leads to **osmotic diuresis**, where glucose pulls water into the urine, resulting in polyuria and typically **low urine osmolality** (dilute urine). - While insulin therapy may allow some increase in urine concentration as osmotic diuresis decreases, this is a **secondary effect** and not the primary clinical focus in acute DKA management. - Additionally, initial fluid resuscitation in DKA treatment maintains diuresis, so urine osmolality changes are variable and less predictable. *Glucosuria* - **Glucosuria** (glucose in the urine) is a hallmark of uncontrolled diabetes due to hyperglycemia exceeding the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption. - Insulin treatment lowers blood glucose levels, which in turn **reduces or eliminates glucosuria**, as the kidneys no longer filter excessive amounts of glucose. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which is the most specific clinical feature for diagnosis of Kwashiorkor?

Easy pluckable hair. ***Easy pluckable hair*** - **Easy pluckable hair** is a highly specific clinical sign of Kwashiorkor, indicating severe **protein deficiency** affecting hair follicle integrity. - This symptom, often accompanied by changes in hair color and texture (e.g., **flag sign**), highlights the chronic lack of essential amino acids. *Edema* - **Edema** is a prominent feature of Kwashiorkor, resulting from low **oncotic pressure** due to **hypoalbuminemia**. - While characteristic, edema can also be seen in other conditions like **cardiac**, **renal**, or **hepatic failure**, making it less specific than hair changes. *Fatty liver* - **Fatty liver** (hepatic steatosis) is commonly observed in Kwashiorkor due to impaired synthesis and export of **VLDL** from the liver. - Although characteristic, fatty liver can also occur in **obesity**, **alcoholism**, and **diabetes**, reducing its specificity as a standalone diagnostic feature. *Low serum albumin* - **Low serum albumin** is a hallmark biochemical finding in Kwashiorkor, reflecting severe **protein malnutrition** and reduced hepatic synthesis. - While critical for diagnosis, hypoalbuminemia can also be caused by severe **liver disease**, **nephrotic syndrome**, or **malabsorption**, limiting its specificity for Kwashiorkor alone. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

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In a newly diagnosed case of a sick child with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), insulin was given. Which of the following will increase:

Which is the most specific clinical feature for diagnosis of Kwashiorkor?