Neonatology: biliary atresia: 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 · Neonatology: biliary atresia

Sample item

A 5-week-old breastfed infant has persistent jaundice, pale stools and dark urine. Conjugated bilirubin is raised. What is the most appropriate surgical timing goal for the likely diagnosis?

ANo surgery neededBLiver transplant only as first stepCKasai portoenterostomy ideally before 8 weeks of ageDDelay until 6 months for growth

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Kasai portoenterostomy ideally before 8 weeks of age

Biliary atresia causes progressive obstruction of extrahepatic bile ducts. Outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy are best when done before 60 days of life. Late presentation lowers the chance of clearing jaundice and many still require transplantation.

Option by option

A. No surgery needed
Untreated biliary atresia is fatal in infancy.
B. Liver transplant only as first step
Transplant is for failed Kasai or late cases.
C. Kasai portoenterostomy ideally before 8 weeks of age (correct)
Correct. Kasai is best done before 8 weeks.
D. Delay until 6 months for growth
Waiting until 6 months leads to cirrhosis.

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.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Kasai portoenterostomy ideally before 8 weeks of age. Biliary atresia causes progressive obstruction of extrahepatic bile ducts.

Why is "No surgery needed" not the answer?

Untreated biliary atresia is fatal in infancy.

Why is "Liver transplant only as first step" not the answer?

Transplant is for failed Kasai or late cases.

Why is "Delay until 6 months for growth" not the answer?

Waiting until 6 months leads to cirrhosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: biliary atresia in Pediatrics. Outcomes of Kasai portoenterostomy are best when done before 60 days of life. Late presentation lowers the chance of clearing jaundice and many still require transplantation.

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 Neonatology: biliary atresia?

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.