Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: An intrauterine scan at the 13th week of pregnancy showed a fetus with multiple long bone fractures. What is commonly associated with this finding?

Osteogenesis imperfecta. ***Osteogenesis imperfecta*** - **Multiple long bone fractures** detected early in pregnancy are a classic presentation of **osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)**, a genetic disorder characterized by **bone fragility**. - OI is primarily caused by mutations in genes encoding **type I collagen**, leading to defective bone formation. *Achondroplasia* - This condition is a form of **dwarfism** characterized by disproportionately short limbs and a normal-sized trunk, resulting from a mutation in the **FGFR3 gene**. - While it affects bone growth, it typically does not cause **multiple fractures** prenatally. *Marfan syndrome* - This is a connective tissue disorder affecting the skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular systems, characterized by **tall stature**, **long limbs and fingers**, and **aortic root dilation**. - It results from a mutation in the **fibrillin-1 gene** and is not primarily associated with prenatal long bone fractures. *Cretinism* - This is a historical term for **congenital hypothyroidism**, which results from severely deficient thyroid hormone production in a newborn. - It leads to developmental delays, growth retardation, and intellectual disability, but not to **multiple bone fractures**.

Q: A 22-year-old primigravida visits ANC OPD with 20 weeks POG. On examination uterine height reveals a 16-week size. USG shows reduced liquor. What will be the diagnosis?

Bilateral renal agenesis. ***Renal agenesis*** - **Bilateral renal agenesis** leads to **oligohydramnios** because the fetal kidneys are the primary producers of amniotic fluid after 16 weeks of gestation. - The reduced amniotic fluid (liquor) is consistent with the decreased uterine size (16-week size at 20 weeks POG) and is a hallmark of this condition, often resulting in **Potter sequence**. *Bartter’s syndrome* - This is a rare, inherited renal tubulopathy characterized by significant electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypercalciuria) due to impaired ion transport. - While it affects kidney function, it does not typically cause severe **oligohydramnios** or **renal agenesis** and would not explain the small uterine size in this scenario. *Liddle syndrome* - This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by early-onset hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis, due to constitutive activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the collecting ducts. - It does not involve structural kidney abnormalities or significantly impact amniotic fluid volume during pregnancy to cause the described findings. *Fetal anemia* - Fetal anemia can lead to complications such as **hydrops fetalis**, which would typically cause **polyhydramnios** or a uterine size larger than expected due to fluid accumulation, not oligohydramnios or a smaller uterine size. - Reduced liquor and a small uterine size are not characteristic presentations of fetal anemia.

Q: A 40 year old G2P1 woman with 18 weeks of amenorrhea comes with a dilated cervix. The cervical length is 15 mm. In spite of explaining the risks, she insisted on cerclage. Which of the following is a contraindication for cervical cerclage?

Ruptured membranes. ***Ruptured membranes*** - **Ruptured membranes** are an **absolute contraindication** to cervical cerclage because the protective barrier against infection is lost. - Placing a cerclage after membrane rupture would trap bacteria within the uterus, leading to serious complications such as **chorioamnionitis** and **sepsis**. - Once membranes rupture, the focus shifts to prevention of infection and preparation for delivery rather than cervical reinforcement. *Prolapse of membranes into the vagina* - This represents a **relative contraindication** rather than an absolute one; cerclage can still be attempted in selected cases with appropriate technique. - While bulging or prolapsed membranes make the procedure more technically challenging and increase risks of membrane rupture, the membranes can sometimes be reduced back before cerclage placement. - This scenario requires careful patient counseling about increased risks, but is not an absolute contraindication if the patient insists and understands the complications. *Advanced maternal age* - **Advanced maternal age** (40 years in this case) is **not a contraindication** for cerclage at all. - The decision for cerclage is based on cervical findings and obstetric history showing cervical insufficiency, not on maternal age. - Age may be a risk factor for other pregnancy complications, but does not preclude cerclage if indicated. *Fetal fibronectin positive* - A **positive fetal fibronectin** test indicates increased risk of preterm labor but is **not a contraindication** to cerclage. - It may prompt closer monitoring or influence timing of intervention, but doesn't rule out cerclage if there's a strong indication based on cervical insufficiency. - Prophylactic or rescue cerclage can still be performed despite positive fetal fibronectin if clinically indicated.

Q: A primigravida at 22 weeks of gestation presents with profuse vaginal bleeding. Her blood pressure and glucose levels are normal. At which of the following sites can placental implantation lead to this condition?

Over the internal cervical os. ***Over the internal cervical os*** - Implantation over the **internal cervical os** leads to **placenta previa**, which is a common cause of **painless, profuse vaginal bleeding** in the second and third trimesters. - The bleeding occurs as the cervix begins to efface and dilate, detaching the abnormally implanted placenta. *In the fallopian tube* - Implantation in the fallopian tube is known as an **ectopic pregnancy**, typically presenting with **abdominal pain** and bleeding in the **first trimester**, often requiring surgical intervention. - This condition is unlikely to result in profuse vaginal bleeding at 22 weeks of gestation with normal blood pressure. *On the ovary* - **Ovarian pregnancy** is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg implants on the surface of the ovary. - It usually presents with symptoms in the **first trimester**, such as abdominal pain and light spotting, not profuse hemorrhage in the second trimester. *In the abdominal cavity* - **Abdominal pregnancy** is another type of ectopic pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants in the abdominal cavity. - While it can lead to complications such as bleeding and abdominal pain, it is not typically associated with profuse vaginal bleeding as described for a 22-week gestation.

Q: Chromosome number of partial hydatidiform mole is-

69 chromosomes. ***69 chromosomes*** - A **partial hydatidiform mole** typically results from **dispermy** (fertilization of one ovum by two sperm), leading to a **triploid karyotype** (69 chromosomes). - This triploidy usually consists of **69, XXY** or **69, XXX**, with the paternal contribution being twice the maternal. *46 XX* - This is a normal diploid female karyotype and is the typical chromosome number for a **complete hydatidiform mole** if the maternal chromosomes are lost and the paternal chromosomes duplicate. - In a complete mole, there is **no fetal tissue**, unlike in a partial mole. *45 XO* - This karyotype, known as **Turner syndrome**, is characterized by the absence of one sex chromosome. - It does not represent a hydatidiform mole but is a chromosomal abnormality associated with developmental disorders. *47 chromosomes (XXY)* - This karyotype is characteristic of **Klinefelter syndrome**, a sex chromosome aneuploidy in males (47,XXY). - While it involves an extra sex chromosome, it is not associated with partial hydatidiform moles, which are triploid with 69 chromosomes.

Q: Which of the following is not a high-risk pregnancy?

Age 25-30 years. ***Age 25-30 years*** - An age of **25-30 years** is generally considered the optimal reproductive age range, and pregnancies within this bracket are typically classified as low-risk based on age alone. - This age range carries the lowest statistical risk for both maternal and fetal complications, assuming no other co-morbidities. *Previous history of manual removal of placenta* - A previous history of manual removal of the placenta indicates a risk factor for **recurrent placental retention** or **morbidly adherent placenta** in future pregnancies, making it a high-risk factor. - This history suggests an increased likelihood of complications such as **postpartum hemorrhage** and can influence the management of subsequent deliveries. *Anemia* - **Anemia** in pregnancy, especially severe iron deficiency anemia, is considered a high-risk factor due to increased maternal and fetal morbidity. - It can lead to complications such as **preterm delivery**, **low birth weight**, and difficulties tolerating blood loss during delivery. *Diabetes mellitus* - **Diabetes mellitus**, whether pre-existing or gestational, makes a pregnancy high-risk due to potential adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus. - Risks include **preeclampsia**, **macrosomia**, **neonatal hypoglycemia**, and **congenital anomalies**.

Q: Which of the following antihypertensive medications is not recommended for use in preeclampsia?

Atenolol. ***Atenolol*** - **Atenolol** is a **beta-blocker** that can cause **fetal growth restriction**, **bradycardia**, and **neonatal hypoglycemia**. - Its use during pregnancy, especially in preeclampsia, is generally **contraindicated** due to these adverse fetal effects. *Methyldopa* - **Methyldopa** is a **centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist** and is considered a **first-line agent** for chronic hypertension in pregnancy and preeclampsia. - It has a **proven safety record** for both mother and fetus, with few adverse effects. *Labetalol* - **Labetalol** is an **alpha and beta-blocker** commonly used in pregnancy for both chronic hypertension and acute severe hypertension in preeclampsia. - It is considered **safe and effective** for immediate blood pressure control without significant harm to the fetus. *Hydralazine* - **Hydralazine** is a **direct arterial vasodilator** frequently used for **acute severe hypertension** in preeclampsia and eclampsia. - It provides rapid blood pressure reduction and is considered a **safe option** for managing hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy.

Q: Which of the following statements about chorionic villus sampling is false?

Is performed only in second trimester of pregnancy. ***Is performed only in second trimester of pregnancy*** - This statement is false because **chorionic villus sampling (CVS)** is typically performed earlier in pregnancy, specifically during the **first trimester**, usually between 10 and 13 weeks of gestation. - Performing CVS only in the second trimester would negate one of its main advantages: providing earlier genetic diagnostic information than **amniocentesis**. *Is used for prenatal genetic diagnosis* - **CVS** is a primary method for **prenatal genetic diagnosis**, allowing for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders. - It involves analyzing fetal cells obtained from the **chorionic villi**. *Villi are collected from chorion frondosum* - The sample for **CVS** is indeed collected from the **chorion frondosum**, which is the fetal part of the placenta containing numerous chorionic villi. - These villi are genetically identical to the fetus, making them suitable for **genetic analysis**. *Can cause limb deformities* - There is a recognized, albeit small, risk of **limb reduction defects** associated with CVS, particularly if performed very early in gestation (before 9-10 weeks). - This risk is part of the counseling provided to prospective parents considering the procedure.

Q: What is the most common type of conjoint twin?

Thoracopagus. ***Thoracopagus*** - This type of conjoint twin, fused at the **thorax** and often sharing a heart and liver, is the **most common** variety, accounting for approximately **40%** of all cases. - The shared organs and complex anatomy often pose significant challenges for separation and survival. *Omphalopagus* - These twins are joined at the **abdomen** and typically share a liver, gastrointestinal tract, or other abdominal organs. - This is the second most common type, representing approximately **30-35%** of conjoint twins. *Craniopagus* - This rare form involves fusion at the **head**, often sharing parts of the skull, dura mater, or even brain tissue. - Due to the intricate neurological connections, craniopagus twins present exceptionally complex medical and ethical challenges, accounting for only **2-6%** of cases. *Rachipagus* - These twins are fused dorsally along the **spine** and typically share portions of the vertebral column and spinal cord. - This is an extremely rare type of conjoint twinning, representing less than **2%** of cases.

Q: Number of stem villi at term in human placenta is?

240. ***240*** - At term, the **human placenta** contains numerous **stem villi** which branch extensively to form the villous tree. - The approximate number of **stem villi** at term is around **240**, contributing to the large surface area for maternal-fetal exchange. *60* - This number is significantly **lower** than the actual count of **stem villi** found in a mature, term placenta. - Such a low number would result in an **insufficient surface area** for effective nutrient and gas exchange. *120* - While higher than 60, this number is still **underestimated** for the quantity of **stem villi** present in a full-term human placenta. - A placenta with only 120 stem villi might not be able to adequately support a fetus at term. *480* - This number is an **overestimation** of the typical count of **stem villi** in a human placenta at term. - While villi are extensive, 480 stem villi represent a significantly higher number than usually observed.

Question 1

An intrauterine scan at the 13th week of pregnancy showed a fetus with multiple long bone fractures. What is commonly associated with this finding?

Accepted Answer

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Answer

Marfan syndrome

Answer

Achondroplasia

Answer

Cretinism

Question 2

A 22-year-old primigravida visits ANC OPD with 20 weeks POG. On examination uterine height reveals a 16-week size. USG shows reduced liquor. What will be the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral renal agenesis

Answer

Bartter’s syndrome

Answer

Liddle syndrome

Answer

Fetal anemia

Question 3

A 40 year old G2P1 woman with 18 weeks of amenorrhea comes with a dilated cervix. The    cervical length is 15 mm. In spite of explaining the risks, she insisted on cerclage. Which of the    following is a contraindication for cervical cerclage?

Accepted Answer

Ruptured membranes

Answer

Advanced maternal age

Answer

Fetal fibronectin positive

Answer

Prolapse of membranes into the vagina

Question 4

A primigravida at 22 weeks of gestation presents with profuse vaginal bleeding. Her blood pressure and glucose levels are normal. At which of the following sites can placental implantation lead to this condition?

Accepted Answer

Over the internal cervical os

Answer

In the fallopian tube

Answer

On the ovary

Answer

In the abdominal cavity

Question 5

Chromosome number of partial hydatidiform mole is-

Accepted Answer

69 chromosomes

Answer

46 XX

Answer

45 XO

Answer

47 chromosomes (XXY)

Question 6

Which of the following is not a high-risk pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Age 25-30 years

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Previous history of manual removal of placenta

Answer

Anemia

Question 7

Which of the following antihypertensive medications is not recommended for use in preeclampsia?

Accepted Answer

Atenolol

Answer

Labetalol

Answer

Hydralazine

Answer

Methyldopa

Question 8

Which of the following statements about chorionic villus sampling is false?

Accepted Answer

Is performed only in second trimester of pregnancy

Answer

Can cause limb deformities

Answer

Is used for prenatal genetic diagnosis

Answer

Villi are collected from chorion frondosum

Question 9

What is the most common type of conjoint twin?

Accepted Answer

Thoracopagus

Answer

Omphalopagus

Answer

Craniopagus

Answer

Rachipagus

Question 10

Number of stem villi at term in human placenta is?

Accepted Answer

240

Answer

60

Answer

120

Answer

480

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

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