Neonatology: bronze baby syndrome: 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: bronze baby syndrome

Sample item

A neonate on phototherapy for cholestatic jaundice develops a grey-brown discolouration of the skin and urine. What is the likely explanation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Bronze baby syndrome due to conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia

Bronze baby syndrome occurs when infants with raised direct bilirubin are exposed to phototherapy, as photoproducts of copper porphyrins accumulate. Common benign side effects of phototherapy include loose stools and dehydration.

Option by option

  • A. Sepsis with shock

    Sepsis does not produce this discolouration.

  • B. Kernicterus

    Kernicterus is neurological and does not change skin colour like this.

  • C. Bronze baby syndrome due to conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (correct)

    Correct. Direct hyperbilirubinaemia plus phototherapy produces bronzing.

  • D. Haemolytic crisis

    A haemolytic crisis causes pallor and unconjugated jaundice.

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 C, Bronze baby syndrome due to conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Bronze baby syndrome occurs when infants with raised direct bilirubin are exposed to phototherapy, as photoproducts of copper porphyrins accumulate.

Why is "Sepsis with shock" not the answer?

Sepsis does not produce this discolouration.

Why is "Kernicterus" not the answer?

Kernicterus is neurological and does not change skin colour like this.

Why is "Haemolytic crisis" not the answer?

A haemolytic crisis causes pallor and unconjugated jaundice.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: bronze baby syndrome in Pediatrics. Common benign side effects of phototherapy include loose stools and dehydration.

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 Neonatology: bronze baby syndrome?

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.