Haematology: sickle cell disease therapy: 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 · Haematology: sickle cell disease therapy

Sample item

A 6-year-old with sickle cell anaemia has had three painful vaso-occlusive crises this year. Which drug reduces the frequency of crises by raising fetal haemoglobin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea increases HbF, which inhibits polymerisation of HbS, and lowers crises, acute chest syndrome and transfusion needs. Marrow suppression is monitored with blood counts. Folic acid is given for the high red cell turnover but does not reduce crises.

Option by option

  • A. Folic acid alone

    Folic acid supports erythropoiesis but does not reduce crises.

  • B. Warfarin

    Warfarin does not prevent vaso-occlusion.

  • C. Oral iron

    Iron is not needed and may be harmful.

  • D. Hydroxyurea (correct)

    Correct. Hydroxyurea raises HbF and reduces crises.

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 D, Hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea increases HbF, which inhibits polymerisation of HbS, and lowers crises, acute chest syndrome and transfusion needs.

Why is "Folic acid alone" not the answer?

Folic acid supports erythropoiesis but does not reduce crises.

Why is "Warfarin" not the answer?

Warfarin does not prevent vaso-occlusion.

Why is "Oral iron" not the answer?

Iron is not needed and may be harmful.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematology: sickle cell disease therapy in Pediatrics. Marrow suppression is monitored with blood counts. Folic acid is given for the high red cell turnover but does not reduce crises.

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 Haematology: sickle cell disease therapy?

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.