Systemic paediatrics: systemic lupus in children: 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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Systemic paediatrics: systemic lupus in children

Sample item

A 13-year-old girl has a malar rash, arthritis, proteinuria with haematuria and fever. Which immunological test is the most specific for this diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Anti-double-stranded DNA antibody

Paediatric SLE presents with malar rash, nephritis, arthritis and cytopenias, and ANA is a sensitive screening test. Anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith antibodies are specific, and low complement with raised anti-dsDNA tracks lupus nephritis.

Option by option

  • A. Rheumatoid factor

    Rheumatoid factor is nonspecific and low-yield.

  • B. Anti-double-stranded DNA antibody (correct)

    Correct. Anti-dsDNA is specific for SLE.

  • C. HLA-B27

    HLA-B27 is associated with spondyloarthropathies.

  • D. Antistreptolysin O titre

    ASO indicates preceding streptococcal infection.

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.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Anti-double-stranded DNA antibody. Paediatric SLE presents with malar rash, nephritis, arthritis and cytopenias, and ANA is a sensitive screening test.

Why is "Rheumatoid factor" not the answer?

Rheumatoid factor is nonspecific and low-yield.

Why is "HLA-B27" not the answer?

HLA-B27 is associated with spondyloarthropathies.

Why is "Antistreptolysin O titre" not the answer?

ASO indicates preceding streptococcal infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Systemic paediatrics: systemic lupus in children in Pediatrics. Anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith antibodies are specific, and low complement with raised anti-dsDNA tracks lupus nephritis.

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 Systemic paediatrics: systemic lupus in children?

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.