Systemic paediatrics: frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome: 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 · Systemic paediatrics: frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome

Sample item

A child with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome has had three relapses in six months with steroid toxicity. Which drug choice is appropriate to spare steroids?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Levamisole or cyclophosphamide

Frequent relapses are two or more relapses within 6 months of the first response, or four or more in a year. Steroid-sparing agents include levamisole, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate and calcineurin inhibitors.

Option by option

  • A. Aspirin

    Aspirin does not reduce relapses.

  • B. Amoxicillin

    Antibiotics treat infections that trigger relapse but are not steroid-sparing.

  • C. Levamisole or cyclophosphamide (correct)

    Correct. Levamisole and cyclophosphamide are steroid-sparing.

  • D. Furosemide

    Furosemide treats oedema only.

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, Levamisole or cyclophosphamide. Frequent relapses are two or more relapses within 6 months of the first response, or four or more in a year.

Why is "Aspirin" not the answer?

Aspirin does not reduce relapses.

Why is "Amoxicillin" not the answer?

Antibiotics treat infections that trigger relapse but are not steroid-sparing.

Why is "Furosemide" not the answer?

Furosemide treats oedema only.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Systemic paediatrics: frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome in Pediatrics. Steroid-sparing agents include levamisole, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate and calcineurin inhibitors.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Systemic paediatrics: frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome?

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.