Which of the following statements is true regarding anemia of prematurity?
A baby is born at 27 weeks of gestation and required mechanical ventilation for 4 weeks and CPAP for 1 week. He was maintained on room air subsequently. Based on the new definition of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), and assuming he remained on room air at 36 weeks post-menstrual age, what is the most appropriate classification of his condition?
The recommended ambient temperature for NICU is
A child presents with recurrent pulmonary infections and hemoptysis due to associated bronchiectasis. Imaging shows unilateral loss of lung volume with hyperlucency on chest radiograph and reduced vascularity on CT scan of the chest. The abdominal organs are normally placed. What is the most likely cause?
A 24-day-old neonate presents with projectile vomiting and failure to gain weight. What is the most likely diagnosis?
What are the first-line disease-modifying treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in a child?
Opsoclonus-myoclonus is a phenomenon seen in:
Best treatment for nocturnal enuresis is
In Precocious puberty, the age limit for girls is?
A 30-week preterm neonate is admitted to NICU immediately after birth. Which of the following complications is MOST directly related to surfactant deficiency?
NEET-PG 2012 - Pediatrics NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 11: Which of the following statements is true regarding anemia of prematurity?
- A. Low reticulocyte response (Correct Answer)
- B. Hemoglobin level <10 gm/dL
- C. 10 ml/kg packed cell transfusion
- D. Microcytic hypochromic type
Explanation: ***Low reticulocyte response*** - Anemia of prematurity results from several factors, including a **blunted erythropoietin response** to anemia, **shortened red blood cell lifespan**, and **rapid growth with increased blood volume requirements**. - The combination of these factors leads to **insufficient red blood cell production** by the bone marrow, reflected by a **low reticulocyte count** despite anemia. - This low reticulocyte response is a **key diagnostic feature** distinguishing it from hemolytic anemias. *Hemoglobin level <10 gm/dL* - While premature infants with anemia of prematurity develop low hemoglobin, a specific cutoff of **<10 gm/dL is not universally definitive** for diagnosis. - Hemoglobin nadirs vary based on **gestational age** (more premature = lower nadir) and occur at different postnatal ages. - Transfusion thresholds are determined by **clinical stability and symptoms**, not just a single Hb value. *10 ml/kg packed cell transfusion* - This describes a **treatment intervention**, not a characteristic of the disease itself. - Transfusion volume is typically **10-15 ml/kg** when indicated, but the decision to transfuse depends on gestational age, postnatal age, clinical stability, and symptoms like apnea or bradycardia. - This is **not a defining feature** of anemia of prematurity. *Microcytic hypochromic type* - Anemia of prematurity is typically **normocytic, normochromic**, not microcytic hypochromic. - **Microcytic hypochromic** anemia suggests **iron deficiency**, which is a different condition. - The red cells in anemia of prematurity have **normal size (MCV) and normal hemoglobin content** per cell.
Question 12: A baby is born at 27 weeks of gestation and required mechanical ventilation for 4 weeks and CPAP for 1 week. He was maintained on room air subsequently. Based on the new definition of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), and assuming he remained on room air at 36 weeks post-menstrual age, what is the most appropriate classification of his condition?
- A. Mild BPD (Correct Answer)
- B. Moderate BPD
- C. Severe BPD
- D. No BPD
Explanation: ***Mild BPD*** - The infant required respiratory support (ventilation and CPAP) for an extended period (5 weeks total, far exceeding the 28-day oxygen requirement for BPD diagnosis). - Being on **room air at 36 weeks post-menstrual age** despite prior prolonged support classifies his condition as mild BPD according to the diagnostic criteria. - For infants born <32 weeks gestation, mild BPD is defined as needing oxygen for ≥28 days but breathing room air at 36 weeks PMA. *Moderate BPD* - Moderate BPD would be diagnosed if the infant still required **less than 30% oxygen (FiO2 0.22-0.29) at 36 weeks post-menstrual age**. - This infant was on room air (FiO2 0.21), indicating less severe lung disease than moderate BPD. *Severe BPD* - Severe BPD involves the ongoing need for **30% or greater oxygen (FiO2 ≥0.30)** and/or positive pressure support (CPAP/ventilator) at 36 weeks post-menstrual age. - This infant did not meet these criteria, as he was on room air without any support. *No BPD* - No BPD would require **less than 28 days of oxygen/respiratory support** during the neonatal period. - This infant required mechanical ventilation for 4 weeks and CPAP for 1 week (total 5 weeks = 35 days), clearly exceeding the 28-day threshold for BPD diagnosis. - Despite being stable on room air at 36 weeks PMA, the prolonged earlier support establishes the diagnosis of BPD (mild severity).
Question 13: The recommended ambient temperature for NICU is
- A. 20-22° C
- B. 22-26° C (Correct Answer)
- C. 26-30° C
- D. 30-35° C
Explanation: ***22-26° C*** - Maintaining an ambient temperature of **22-26°C** in the NICU is crucial for preventing **cold stress** in neonates. - This temperature range helps to maintain the baby's **core body temperature**, reducing metabolic demands and ensuring optimal thermal regulation. *20-22° C* - While this might be a comfortable room temperature for adults, it is generally **too cold** for newborns in the NICU. - Temperatures below the recommended range can lead to significant **cold stress**, increasing oxygen consumption and metabolic rate in vulnerable infants. *26-30° C* - This temperature range is generally **too warm** for a NICU environment. - Excessive warmth can lead to **hyperthermia** and sweating, which increases fluid loss and can be detrimental to a neonate's health. *30-35°C* - This temperature is **dangerously high** for neonates in the NICU. - Such high temperatures would significantly increase the risk of **hyperthermia, dehydration**, and other severe complications, compromising the infant's well-being.
Question 14: A child presents with recurrent pulmonary infections and hemoptysis due to associated bronchiectasis. Imaging shows unilateral loss of lung volume with hyperlucency on chest radiograph and reduced vascularity on CT scan of the chest. The abdominal organs are normally placed. What is the most likely cause?
- A. Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome (Correct Answer)
- B. Immotile cilia syndrome
- C. Kartagener syndrome
- D. Mendelson syndrome
Explanation: ***Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome*** - This syndrome presents with **unilateral hyperlucent lung**, reduced vascularity, and bronchiectasis, often following a severe childhood respiratory infection, leading to air trapping and recurrent infections. - The imaging findings of **unilateral loss of lung volume**, hyperlucency, and reduced vascularity are classic for Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome, which is also known as unilateral emphysema. *Immotile cilia syndrome* - This is a broader term that encompasses conditions like Kartagener syndrome, characterized by ciliary dysfunction leading to **recurrent sinopulmonary infections**; however, it does not typically present with unilateral hyperlucent lung or reduced vascularity. - While it causes bronchiectasis, the specific imaging findings described (unilateral hyperlucency) are not characteristic of isolated immotile cilia syndrome. *Kartagener syndrome* - This is a subgroup of primary ciliary dyskinesia that includes the classic triad of **situs inversus**, bronchiectasis, and sinusitis. The patient in the prompt has normally placed abdominal organs, ruling out situs inversus. - Although it involves recurrent pulmonary infections and bronchiectasis, the presence of **normally placed abdominal organs** and unilateral hyperlucency on imaging makes Kartagener syndrome less likely. *Mendelson syndrome* - This refers to **chemical pneumonitis** caused by the aspiration of gastric contents, typically during anesthesia or in patients with impaired consciousness. - It presents acutely with respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and diffuse infiltrates on imaging, which is inconsistent with the chronic presentation of recurrent infections and unilateral hyperlucency described.
Question 15: A 24-day-old neonate presents with projectile vomiting and failure to gain weight. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. NEC
- B. Duodenal atresia
- C. Hirschsprung's disease
- D. Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis*** - The classic presentation includes **projectile, non-bilious vomiting** in a neonate around 2-8 weeks old, leading to **failure to thrive**. - An **olive-shaped mass** (hypertrophied pylorus) may be palpable in the epigastrium. *NEC* - **Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)** is an inflammatory disease of the intestine, primarily affecting premature infants. - Symptoms typically include **abdominal distension**, bloody stools, and lethargy, rather than projectile vomiting. *Duodenal atresia* - Presents with **bilious vomiting** within the first 24-48 hours of life due to an obstruction below the ampulla of Vater. - An X-ray would show a **"double bubble" sign**, which is not implied by the provided symptoms. *Hirschsprung's disease* - Characterized by **failure to pass meconium** within the first 24-48 hours and chronic constipation. - Vomiting, if present, is usually **bilious** and associated with abdominal distension, not projectile in nature.
Question 16: What are the first-line disease-modifying treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in a child?
- A. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV Ig) and Plasmapheresis (Correct Answer)
- B. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV Ig) alone
- C. Mechanical Ventilation alone
- D. Plasmapheresis
Explanation: ***Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV Ig) and Plasmapheresis*** - Both **IV Ig** and **plasmapheresis** are equally effective first-line disease-modifying treatments for GBS in children - **IV Ig** works by neutralizing pathogenic antibodies and modulating the immune response - **Plasmapheresis** removes circulating antibodies and inflammatory mediators from the plasma - Both treatments reduce the severity and duration of paralysis and accelerate recovery - They are equally effective with **no significant difference in outcomes**; choice depends on availability, contraindications, and patient factors *Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV Ig) alone* - While IV Ig is indeed a first-line treatment, it is not the only one - The question asks for treatments (plural), and plasmapheresis is equally effective *Mechanical Ventilation alone* - This is a **supportive measure** for respiratory failure, not a disease-modifying treatment - About 20-30% of GBS patients require mechanical ventilation due to respiratory muscle weakness - It manages complications but does not treat the underlying immune-mediated neuropathy *Plasmapheresis alone* - While plasmapheresis is indeed a first-line treatment, it is not the only one - The question asks for treatments (plural), and IV Ig is equally effective
Question 17: Opsoclonus-myoclonus is a phenomenon seen in:
- A. Wilms' tumor
- B. Meningioma
- C. Cortical tuberculoma
- D. Neuroblastoma (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Neuroblastoma*** - **Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS)** is a rare paraneoplastic neurological disorder primarily associated with childhood neuroblastoma. - It is characterized by rapid, irregular eye movements (**opsoclonus**), brief, involuntary muscle jerks (**myoclonus**), ataxia, and irritability. *Wilm's tumor* - Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) is a kidney tumor of childhood and is not typically associated with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. - While it is also a pediatric cancer, its paraneoplastic manifestations are different and do not include OMS. *Meningioma* - Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors arising from the meninges in adults, and are not associated with opsoclonus-myoclonus. - Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare with meningiomas, and OMS is not one of them. *Cortical tuberculoma* - A cortical tuberculoma is a granulomatous lesion in the brain caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, often seen in individuals with tuberculosis. - While it can cause neurological symptoms like seizures, headaches, and focal deficits, it does not cause opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome.
Question 18: Best treatment for nocturnal enuresis is
- A. Positive reinforcement
- B. Punishment
- C. Bed alarm (Correct Answer)
- D. Desmopressin
Explanation: ***Bed alarm*** - **Bed alarms** are considered the most effective long-term treatment for nocturnal enuresis by conditioning the child to wake up to a full bladder. - This method has a high success rate and a lower relapse rate compared to pharmacological treatments. *Positive reinforcement* - While helpful for building confidence and encouraging adherence to treatment, **positive reinforcement** alone is generally not sufficient to cure nocturnal enuresis. - It works best as an adjunct to other established treatments, like bed alarms, to motivate the child. *Punishment* - **Punishment** is not an effective or appropriate treatment for nocturnal enuresis and can be psychologically harmful to the child. - Enuresis is an involuntary condition, and punishment can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and shame, potentially worsening the problem. *Desmopressin* - **Desmopressin** (DDAVP) is a synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone and can reduce urine production at night, offering a short-term solution. - It is effective in reducing the frequency of wet nights but has a higher relapse rate once discontinued, and it does not cure the underlying problem like a bed alarm does.
Question 19: In Precocious puberty, the age limit for girls is?
- A. 8 years (Correct Answer)
- B. 10 years
- C. 9 years
- D. 11 years
Explanation: ***8 years*** - Precocious puberty is defined clinically by the development of secondary sexual characteristics in girls before the age of **8 years old**. - This age cut-off is based on population studies and clinical consensus to identify children needing further evaluation for underlying causes. *10 years* - This age is generally considered within the **normal range** for the onset of puberty, not precocious. - Pubertal development typically begins between ages 8 and 13 in girls. *9 years* - While close to the precocious threshold, **9 years** is still considered within the typical window for the onset of puberty. - The established clinical definition for precocious puberty in girls is explicitly _before_ the age of 8. *11 years* - This age is well within the **normal range** for pubertal onset and progression in girls. - Development of secondary sexual characteristics at this age would not be considered precocious.
Question 20: A 30-week preterm neonate is admitted to NICU immediately after birth. Which of the following complications is MOST directly related to surfactant deficiency?
- A. Increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage
- B. Increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (Correct Answer)
- C. Increased risk of hypothermia
- D. Increased risk of hypoglycemia
Explanation: ***Increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome*** - RDS is **most directly caused by surfactant deficiency** in preterm infants, as surfactant production begins around 24-28 weeks and becomes adequate only by 34-36 weeks of gestation. - Surfactant reduces **surface tension in alveoli**, preventing alveolar collapse during expiration. Without adequate surfactant, there is diffuse atelectasis and impaired gas exchange. - Clinical features include **tachypnea, grunting, intercostal retractions, and cyanosis** typically appearing within the first few hours of life. - Chest X-ray shows characteristic **ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms**. *Increased risk of hypothermia* - While preterm infants are indeed at risk for hypothermia due to **large surface area-to-body mass ratio, reduced brown fat, and immature thermoregulation**, this is not directly related to surfactant deficiency. - Hypothermia is primarily related to **thermal regulation mechanisms** rather than lung maturity. *Increased risk of hypoglycemia* - Preterm babies have **limited glycogen stores and immature gluconeogenesis**, increasing hypoglycemia risk. - However, this is related to **metabolic and hepatic immaturity**, not surfactant deficiency. *Increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage* - Preterm infants are at risk for IVH due to **fragile germinal matrix capillaries and fluctuating cerebral blood flow**. - This is a **neurovascular complication**, not directly related to surfactant deficiency, though severe RDS with hypoxia can be a contributing factor.