Systemic paediatrics: neural tube defects: 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 · Systemic paediatrics: neural tube defects

Sample item

A newborn has a lumbosacral myelomeningocele and later develops hydrocephalus. Which hindbrain abnormality is associated, and what is the timing of repair?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Arnold-Chiari type II malformation; repair within the first 72 hours

Myelomeningocele is associated with Arnold-Chiari II malformation and hydrocephalus. Early surgical closure, within 48 to 72 hours, reduces infection, and periconceptional folic acid prevents many neural tube defects.

Option by option

  • A. Dandy-Walker malformation; repair at 5 years

    Dandy-Walker is not the classical association.

  • B. Lissencephaly; repair at 2 years

    Lissencephaly is a neuronal migration disorder.

  • C. Chiari I malformation; no repair ever

    Chiari I is associated with syringomyelia in older children.

  • D. Arnold-Chiari type II malformation; repair within the first 72 hours (correct)

    Correct. Chiari II is associated and early closure is advised.

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, Arnold-Chiari type II malformation; repair within the first 72 hours. Myelomeningocele is associated with Arnold-Chiari II malformation and hydrocephalus.

Why is "Dandy-Walker malformation; repair at 5 years" not the answer?

Dandy-Walker is not the classical association.

Why is "Lissencephaly; repair at 2 years" not the answer?

Lissencephaly is a neuronal migration disorder.

Why is "Chiari I malformation; no repair ever" not the answer?

Chiari I is associated with syringomyelia in older children.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Systemic paediatrics: neural tube defects in Pediatrics. Early surgical closure, within 48 to 72 hours, reduces infection, and periconceptional folic acid prevents many neural tube defects.

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 Systemic paediatrics: neural tube defects?

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.