Type 1 diabetes mellitus is suspected in a child. Which clinical manifestation may be present?

Choice A reason:

Wearing cotton underpants is recommended to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls. Cotton is a breathable fabric that allows air to circulate, reducing moisture and creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. This helps to keep the genital area dry and clean, which is important in preventing UTIs.

Choice B reason:

Limiting trips to the bathroom is not recommended for preventing UTIs. In fact, it is important for young girls to urinate frequently to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Holding urine for extended periods can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Therefore, encouraging regular bathroom trips is a better practice for preventing UTIs.

Choice C reason:

Decreasing salt intake is not directly related to preventing UTIs. While a healthy diet is important for overall health, there is no specific evidence linking salt intake to the prevention of urinary tract infections. The focus should be on practices that directly reduce the risk of bacterial growth and infection in the urinary tract.

Choice D reason:

Soaking in a bathtub, especially with bubble baths or perfumed soaps, can increase the risk of UTIs. These substances can irritate the urethra and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. It is better to avoid prolonged baths with such products and instead opt for quick showers to maintain hygiene without increasing the risk of infection.

The correct answer is a) Positive Ortolani click, b) Unequal gluteal folds, c) Trendelenburg sign, and e) Telescoping of the affected limb.

Choice A reason:

A positive Ortolani click is a clinical manifestation of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The Ortolani maneuver is used to detect hip dislocation or subluxation in infants. When the hip is abducted and gentle pressure is applied to the proximal thigh from behind, a palpable “clunk” is noticed as the femoral head relocates into the acetabulum. This indicates hip instability, which is a characteristic of DDH.

Choice B reason:

Unequal gluteal folds are another clinical manifestation of DDH. Asymmetrical gluteal creases can suggest hip dysplasia in infants. This is because the dislocation or subluxation of the hip can cause one leg to appear shorter than the other, leading to uneven gluteal folds.

Choice C reason:

The Trendelenburg sign is a clinical test used to assess the integrity and strength of the hip abductor muscles, particularly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. A positive Trendelenburg sign usually indicates weakness in these muscles, which can be associated with hip abnormalities such as congenital hip dislocation3. In DDH, the hip instability can lead to a positive Trendelenburg sign.

Choice D reason:

A negative Babinski sign is not a clinical manifestation of DDH. The Babinski reflex is a normal reflex in infants up to 2 years old, where the big toe moves upward and the other toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked. A negative Babinski sign would indicate the absence of this reflex, which is not related to DDH.

Choice E reason:

Telescoping of the affected limb is a clinical manifestation of DDH. In a child with DDH, the hip socket is shallow, and the head of the femur may slip in and out, leading to a telescoping effect. This means the femoral head can move further out of the socket, causing the limb to appear shorter or longer depending on the position.