Neonatology: infant of diabetic mother: 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: infant of diabetic mother

Sample item

A woman with poorly controlled pregestational diabetes is counselled about fetal risks. Which malformation is the most specific for diabetic embryopathy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Caudal regression syndrome

Caudal regression syndrome, with sacral agenesis and hypoplasia of the lower limbs, is the most specific anomaly of maternal diabetes. Cardiac defects are the commonest overall. Good periconceptional glycaemic control lowers the risk.

Option by option

  • A. Duodenal atresia

    Duodenal atresia is associated with Down syndrome rather than maternal diabetes.

  • B. Caudal regression syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Sacral agenesis is the characteristic malformation of diabetic embryopathy.

  • C. Neural tube defect at the cervical level

    Neural tube defects occur more often in diabetes but are not the most specific, and the described finding is not cervical.

  • D. Polydactyly

    Polydactyly is not a recognised feature of diabetic embryopathy.

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 B, Caudal regression syndrome. Caudal regression syndrome, with sacral agenesis and hypoplasia of the lower limbs, is the most specific anomaly of maternal diabetes.

Why is "Duodenal atresia" not the answer?

Duodenal atresia is associated with Down syndrome rather than maternal diabetes.

Why is "Neural tube defect at the cervical level" not the answer?

Neural tube defects occur more often in diabetes but are not the most specific, and the described finding is not cervical.

Why is "Polydactyly" not the answer?

Polydactyly is not a recognised feature of diabetic embryopathy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: infant of diabetic mother in Pediatrics. Cardiac defects are the commonest overall. Good periconceptional glycaemic control lowers the risk.

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: infant of diabetic mother?

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.