Neonatology: asymmetric IUGR: 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: asymmetric IUGR

Sample item

A term baby is born with weight below the 10th centile but head circumference and length near the 50th centile. Which statement is correct?

AIt is typical of early intrauterine infection such as TORCHBIt carries the same prognosis as symmetric IUGRCIt indicates a chromosomal anomalyDThis asymmetric growth restriction usually reflects late-onset placental insufficiency

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. This asymmetric growth restriction usually reflects late-onset placental insufficiency

In asymmetric IUGR, weight is affected more than length and head because blood flow is diverted to the brain. It is usually due to late pregnancy insults such as hypertension or placental insufficiency. Symmetric IUGR arises early and is associated with infection or chromosomal disease.

Option by option

A. It is typical of early intrauterine infection such as TORCH
Early infections cause symmetric restriction.
B. It carries the same prognosis as symmetric IUGR
The prognosis of asymmetric IUGR is better than symmetric.
C. It indicates a chromosomal anomaly
Chromosomal causes give symmetric restriction.
D. This asymmetric growth restriction usually reflects late-onset placental insufficiency (correct)
Correct. Asymmetric IUGR is typically from late placental insufficiency.

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.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, This asymmetric growth restriction usually reflects late-onset placental insufficiency. In asymmetric IUGR, weight is affected more than length and head because blood flow is diverted to the brain.

Why is "It is typical of early intrauterine infection such as TORCH" not the answer?

Early infections cause symmetric restriction.

Why is "It carries the same prognosis as symmetric IUGR" not the answer?

The prognosis of asymmetric IUGR is better than symmetric.

Why is "It indicates a chromosomal anomaly" not the answer?

Chromosomal causes give symmetric restriction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: asymmetric IUGR in Pediatrics. It is usually due to late pregnancy insults such as hypertension or placental insufficiency. Symmetric IUGR arises early and is associated with infection or chromosomal disease.

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: asymmetric IUGR?

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.