Genetic and metabolic disorders: Down syndrome associations: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Genetic and metabolic disorders: Down syndrome associations

Sample item

Which complication in a child with Down syndrome requires screening before sports participation and anaesthesia?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Atlantoaxial instability

Down syndrome is associated with hypothyroidism, atlantoaxial instability, leukaemia, coeliac disease and early Alzheimer disease. Cervical spine instability poses a risk during neck manipulation and certain sports.

Option by option

  • A. Marfanoid habitus

    Marfanoid habitus is not part of Down syndrome.

  • B. Pheochromocytoma

    Pheochromocytoma is not associated.

  • C. Atlantoaxial instability (correct)

    Correct. Atlantoaxial instability needs assessment.

  • D. Hyperthyroidism as the commonest endocrine problem

    Hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, is the commonest endocrine association.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Atlantoaxial instability. Down syndrome is associated with hypothyroidism, atlantoaxial instability, leukaemia, coeliac disease and early Alzheimer disease.

Why is "Marfanoid habitus" not the answer?

Marfanoid habitus is not part of Down syndrome.

Why is "Pheochromocytoma" not the answer?

Pheochromocytoma is not associated.

Why is "Hyperthyroidism as the commonest endocrine problem" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, is the commonest endocrine association.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Genetic and metabolic disorders: Down syndrome associations in Pediatrics. Cervical spine instability poses a risk during neck manipulation and certain sports.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Genetic and metabolic disorders: Down syndrome associations?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.