Vesiculobullous disorders: dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa protein: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Vesiculobullous disorders: dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa protein

Sample item

A 3-year-old has blisters on the hands and knees that heal with scarring, milia and loss of nails, and the fingers are starting to fuse together. Which structural protein is defective?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Type VII collagen

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa results from COL7A1 mutations that affect anchoring fibrils below the lamina densa. Blisters heal with scarring, milia, nail loss and pseudosyndactyly.

Option by option

  • A. Desmoglein 3

    Desmoglein 3 is the target in pemphigus vulgaris, an acquired autoimmune disease.

  • B. Keratin 5 and 14

    Keratin 5 and 14 defects cause epidermolysis bullosa simplex, which heals without scarring.

  • C. Type VII collagen (correct)

    Correct. Defective type VII collagen causes scarring blistering below the basement membrane.

  • D. Laminin-332

    Laminin-332 defects cause junctional epidermolysis bullosa with granulation tissue and enamel defects.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Type VII collagen. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa results from COL7A1 mutations that affect anchoring fibrils below the lamina densa.

Why is "Desmoglein 3" not the answer?

Desmoglein 3 is the target in pemphigus vulgaris, an acquired autoimmune disease.

Why is "Keratin 5 and 14" not the answer?

Keratin 5 and 14 defects cause epidermolysis bullosa simplex, which heals without scarring.

Why is "Laminin-332" not the answer?

Laminin-332 defects cause junctional epidermolysis bullosa with granulation tissue and enamel defects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vesiculobullous disorders: dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa protein in Dermatology. Blisters heal with scarring, milia, nail loss and pseudosyndactyly.

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 Vesiculobullous disorders: dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa protein?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.