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MRRM
Nelson Pediatrics
Board Review
Certification and Recertification
Louis M. Bell, MD
Chief, Division of General Pediatrics
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Professor of Pediatrics
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ELSEVIER
ELSEVIER
1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
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For chapter 1 contributed by Dionne Blackman: Copyright© 2016 The Johns Hopkins University. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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We are proud to add to the Nelson family of books with this utmost excellence in care to our patients, a challenging task
volume, the inaugural edition of Nelson Pediatrics Board given the inexorable advances in science and technology
Review. With the specific purpose of focusing on content that occur every day. To this end, we hope that this book
covered by the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying becomes a vital component of your board review toolkit and
Examination in General Pediatrics, this book is divided by that it serves as a foundation upon which to build a lifetime
specialty and written by contributors with in-depth knowl- of learning.
edge of their topics. It was imperative that the depth and We would like to acknowledge all of our contributors
breadth be appropriate for the general pediatrician and for generously offering their efforts and expertise, as they
that the information be presented in a manner that aided in developed original chapters for this first edition. We thank
review. We hope that the reader finds helpful the compara- Sarah Barth, Jennifer Ehlers, Vidhya Shankar, Beula Chris-
tive tables of similar disorders, the algorithms of medical topher King, and all the members of the Elsevier team who
decision making, and the review questions that emphasize have shepherded this book into reality. Finally, we thank
key points tested by the actual board exam. our families, as we recognize that this project would not
We feel that preparation for boards is an essential mile- have been possible without their patient support and
stone in each pediatrician's career, whether he or she is encouragement.
recertifying or taking the exam for the first time after res- Terry Dean, Jr.
idency. It is a time to reflect on our practices and refresh Louis M. Bell
our knowledge base to ensure that we are delivering the
V
To my wife, Gina, for her strength and selflessness.
TD
..
VII
viii Contributors
xii
•••
CONTENTS XIII
SECTION 6 SECTION 10
Gastroenterology, 171 Infectious Diseases, 281
28 Clinical Approach to Emesis and Diarrhea, 172 43 Clinical Approach to Common Infectious Disease
NINA N. SAINATH, MD Complaints, 282
SANYUKTA DESAI, MD
29 Clinical Approach to Gastrointestinal Bleed, 177
LISA FAHEY, MD 44 Bacteria, 289
SALWA SULIEMAN, DO
30 Esophageal and Gastric Disorders, 180
BRIDGET C. GODWIN, MD and JENNIFER WEBSTER, DO 45 Viruses, 309
LORI KESTENBAUM HANDY, MD, MSCE
31 Intestinal Disorders, 187
MAIRE CONRAD, MD, MS and ELIZABETH CLABBY MAXWELL, MD 46 Fungi, Worms, and Parasites, 321
LESLIE ANNE ENANE, MD
32 Hepatobiliary Disorders and Liver Failure, 201
NICOLE A. HAMES, MD, FAAP, MICHAL ROZENFELD BAR LEV, MD, and 47 Therapeutic Agents in Infectious Diseases, 330
ORITH WAISBOURD-ZINMAN, MD EVELYN LAI, RN, MSN, PNP-BC and BEATRIZ LARRU, MD, PhD
42 Selected Topics in Immunology, 279 56 Altered Mental Status and Headache, 406
ALICE CHAN, MD, PhD NAN LIN, MD
xiv CONTENTS
Research has identified a number of factors that affect test ■ Use the Progress Indicator and Time Remaining func-
performance: tions to keep track of item completion and time remain-
■ Study skills ing for the test session
■ Content knowledge Use the Navigation button or Review screen to view item
Practice of questions in the same format as the test completion status, items you have marked for review,
■ Test-taking skills or items with an electronic note, and to move quickly to
■ Anxiety items within the test
■ Fatigue and sleep deprivation ■ Board Examination questions are derived using the fal-
lowing criteria and will:
By reading this book, the examination taker will improve Be focused on patient care
content knowledge and have the opportunity to test this Address important clinical problems for which medical
knowledge with many case-based practice questions. This intervention has a significant effect on patient out-
chapter, however, addresses the three topics not related comes
to content knowledge: study skills, test-taking skills, and Address commonly overlooked or mismanaged clinical
anxiety. The strategies provided will make studying for the problems
Board Examination more effective and will optimize test Pose a challenging management decision
performance on the exam. Assess ability to make optimal clinical decisions
■ Clinical decision-making can be broken down into differ-
ent tasks; the Board Examination is meant to test your
Strategies for More Effective ability to perform these tasks:
Studying Identify characteristic clinical features of diseases
Identify characteristic pathophysiologic features of
diseases
ANTICIPATE TEST CONTENT Choose the most appropriate diagnostic tests
A strategic approach to studying has been found to lead to Determine the diagnosis
better performance on examinations: Determine the prognosis or natural history of diseases
Select the best treatment or management strategy
■ Review the examination blueprint to understand the Choose risk-appropriate prevention strategies
percentage of questions derived from each content area ■ Board Examination questions will never address an area
(available on the website for the American Board of Pedi- in which there is no consensus of opinion among experts
atrics [ABP] at https:/ /www.abp.org)
in the field
■ Complete the tutorial on taking the computer-based ■ Carefully review visual information because this is fre-
examination on the ABP website. The tutorial sample quently used in Board Examination questions regarding
questions will explain how to use examination func- disorders with characteristic skin lesions or findings on
tions and provide a practice test to help you familiar- blood smear, bone marrow, electrocardiogram, radio-
ize yourself with the different types of examination
graph, and other visual diagnostic tests
questions and format. Specifically, you will preview
how to:
Answer questions TIME MANAGEMENT
Change answers Use the Residency In-Training Examination or a full-
Make notes electronically
length practice test to identify your areas of weakness
Access the table of normal laboratory values, calcula- ■ Use a "question drill-to-content" review ratio of 2:1 or
tor, and electronic calipers greater to review subjects because this has been shown
View figures
to be more successful than traditional review using the
Mark questions for review
reverse ratio
1
2 1 • Maximizing Test Performance: Effective Study and Test-Taking Strategies
After addressing your weaker subjects, conduct a fo- ■ Budget your time; unfinished questions are lost scoring
cused review of other subjects as discussed earlier opportunities
■ Create a realistic study schedule and stick to it ■ Keep track of your use of time by checking time targets
• Using the examination blueprint to budget your study at each quarter of the total examination time
time to cover all of the examination content areas with- ■ To fully use other test-taking strategies, use less than the
out last-minute cramming allotted time per question (we suggest 15-30 seconds
■ Plan to complete your study several days before the less per question)
examination ■ To focus on pertinent data, read the question and an-
Plan a question drill period for the last few days before swer options before reading the question stem; the stem
the examination; use answers to incorrectly answered is the part of the test item that precedes the question and
practice questions for targeted content review answer options and is usually case-based
■ Answer questions you know first and quickly guess on
those you do not know
Effective Approaches to Studying
STRATEGIES FOR GUESSING AND REASONING
■ The Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review (SQ3R)
study method has proven effective in improving reading ■ Identify key words or phrases that affect the question's
efficiency, comprehension, and material retention intent (e.g., at this time, now, initially, most, always, never,
It provides a useful way to study for the Board Examina- except, usually, least)
tion, regardless of the study resource used ■ Determine whether the following factors limit your
■ Steps in the method are outlined in Table 1.1 thinking to certain disease categories:
■ Similar to the SQ3R method, students performing re- Patient factors
peated cycles of studying, followed by writing down as Age, sex, race, or ethnicity
much as they can recall, then restudying material and Exposures caused by occupation, travel, or residence
recalling again improved learning and retention of mate- Immune status
rial and test performance Factors related to illness presentation
Studying with a small group can enhance study ef- Time course of illness (i.e., acute, subacute, or
fectiveness by providing social support and increased chronic)
confidence because individuals assume responsibility to Symptoms or findings present or stated to be absent
review and teach particular areas to the group ■ Pattern of diagnostic data (e.g., presence of a known
symptom triad, pathognomonic finding)
■ Eliminate answer options likely to be incorrect. Re-
Strategies for More Effective member that incorrect options are usually written to be
Test-Taking plausible or even partially correct.
■ Examine similarities and differences between answer op-
The fallowing strategies will be effective only if practiced, tions (e.g., mutually exclusive options)
so plan to practice them in your question drill sessions; the ■ Answer questions based on established standards of
website accompanying this book allows examination takers care, not anecdotal experiences
to practice answering questions in a timed test format. ■ Do not be afraid to use partial knowledge to eliminate
answers
■ When unsure of an answer, enter your best guess (re-
STRATEGIES FOR TIME USE
search shows it is often correct) and flag the question on
■ Know the examination schedule for the computer-based the computer for later review
examination (see http://www.abp.org) ■ Answer all questions-there is no penalty for wrong
Return from breaks early; you must check in after answers
breaks, and the examination clock restarts at the end of ■ Please note that once you click the End Session button,
the break regardless of your return time you cannot go back to review or change responses for
Know the time allotted per examination question (i.e., that test session
examination time in minutes divided by number of ex- ■ Check that you have completed any answer review of
amination questions) changes and have entered a response for all questions
before you click the End Session button
Rethink and conceptualize a better answer Allow a minimum of 30 minutes before your test ap-
Gain information from another test item pointment for check-in procedures
Remember more information Avoid overly anxious test takers; they heighten your
Correct a clerical error (e.g., the intended answer was anxiety level, which can hurt your test performance
not the entered answer) Use relaxation techniques:
Deep muscle relaxation is an effective relaxation tech-
STRATEGIES FOR ERROR AVOIDANCE nique; it involves tensing and relaxing each muscle
group until all muscles are relaxed
Read each question and all answer options carefully; be To reduce anxiety further, engage in exercise during
certain you understand the intent of the question before the period when you are preparing for the examina-
answering (e.g., questions stating "all of the following tion
are correct except ... ") Being well rested is imperative
Do not "read into a question" information or interpreta-
tions that are not there Suggested Readings
Check that the answer entered is the answer you in- 1. Frierson HT, Hoband D. Effect of test anxiety on performance on the
tended NB:ME Part I Examination. J Med Educ. 198 7;62:431--433.
2. Frierson HT, Malone B, Shelton P. Enhancing NCLEX-RN perfor-
mance: assessing a three-pronged intervention approach. J Nurs Educ.
STRATEGIES FOR ANXIETY REDUCTION 1993;32 :222-224.
3. Harvill LM, Davis III G. Test-taking behaviors and their impact on per-
Anxiety is a natural part of taking an examination, but formance: medical students' reasons for changing answers on mul-
high test anxiety will adversely affect test performance tiple choice tests. Acad Med. 199 7; 72 :S9 7-S99.
4. Hembree R. Correlates, causes, effects, and treatment of test anxiety.
Consider formal counseling if you have had problems Rev Educ Res. 1988;58:47-77.
with high test anxiety in the past 5. Karpicke JD, Blunt JR. Retrieval practice produces more learning than
Consider writing about your negative thoughts and wor- elaborative studying with concept mapping. Science. 2011;331:772-
ries about the examination for 10 minutes on the day of 775.
the test; this has been found to significantly improve test 6. McDowell BM. KATTS: a framework for maximizing NCLEX-RN per-
formance. J Nurs Educ. 2008;47:183-186.
performance for those with high test anxiety 7. McManus IC, Richards P, Winder BC, Sproston KA. Clinical experi-
Actively manage anxiety by decreasing the effect of un- ence, performance in final examinations, and learning style in medi-
knowns on your anxiety level. Use the following meth- cal students: prospective study. BM]. 1998;316:345-350.
ods: 8. Ramirez G, Beilock SL. Writing about testing worries boosts exam per-
formance in classroom. Science. 2011;331:211-213.
Review the "Exam Day: What to Expect" section of 9. Robinson FP, ed. Effective Study. New York: Harper & Row; 1961. Rev
the ABP's guide to the certification examination (see ed.
http://www.abp.org) 10. Seipp B. Anxiety and academic performance: a meta-analysis of find-
Test-drive the travel route and determine time to the ings. Anxiety Res. 1991;4:2 7-41.
test site; locate parking and the site itself if it is in a 11. Waddell DL, Blankenship JC. Answer changing: a meta-analysis of the
prevalence and patterns. J Cont Educ Nurs. l 994;25:155-158.
building with other businesses 12. Ward PJ. First year medical students' approaches to study and their
Bring a sweater or dress in layers to prepare for exami- outcomes in a gross anatomy course. Clin Anat. 2011;24:120-127.
nation room temperature variations
Bring a snack for unexpected hunger and medications
for potential illness symptoms
Allergy
4
2 Atopic Syndrome
KIRAN P. PATEL, MD, MS
5
6 SECTION 1 • Allergy
3. A 9-year-old female patient with prior history of atopic 6. You follow two siblings i n your practice. They are both
dermatitis presents with new-onset rash. She reports i n the here today for well-child visits. The older sibling is a 6-year-
past she has had active areas only on her hands in terms of old girl with mild persistent asthma and resolving atopic
atopic dermatitis. But she now says a similar red, papular dermatitis. The younger sibling is a 1-year-old girl with
rash has appeared on her ears bilaterally. She reports that flexural atopic dermatitis. Parents are concerned about the
she had recently pierced her ears and has been placing a risk of asthma developing in the 1-year-old. What percent
topical cleanser there. On examination, scaling and ery- of atopic dermatitis patients develop asthma?
thematous papules are noted on the ear, primarily on the a. 0°/o
lobe and behind but traveling up the outer ear as well. No b. 25%
rashes are noted on neck. She has some red papules on her C. 50%
fingers bilateral and periumbilical area as well. Which of d. 75%
the following is the most likely diagnosis of her ear rash? e. 100%
a. Irritant contact dermatitis to chemical cleaning
product 7. You are seeing a 10-year-old male patient with mild
b. Atopic dermatitis persistent asthma. He has been doing well in the last 6
c. Id reaction months with need for albuterol only twice with viral infec-
d. Allergic contact dermatitis to chemical cleaning tions. He is on a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid and mon-
product telukast (5 mg) as maintenance medications. Parents are
e. Allergic contact dermatitis to metal concerned that airborne allergens may cause exacerba-
tions in their son. They ask the following question: What
4. A 13-year-old female patient with prior history of atopic percent of asthmatics have aeroallergen sensitization?
dermatitis presents for skin testing for evaluation of a. 20%
chronic congestion that is year-round. She reports car- b. 40%
pet in the whole house and lots of stuffed animals to keep c. 60%
her happy because her parents won't allow any pets in d. 80%
the house. She lives in a heavily forested area. Which of e. 100%
Answers
1. b. Early introduction of peanuts in at-risk infants (egg allergy has already developed. Options c, d, and e are of
and/or moderate to severe eczema) reduces peanut no benefit as an effective strategy. Early introduction
allergy prevalence at age 60 months by at least 70%. of allergenic foods is the only effective strategy at this
Option a is not effective because by this age the peanut time.
6.e1
6.e2 Review Questions
2. a. Intranasal steroids are the first-list therapy for allergic mites are the likely cause of her perennial symptoms.
rhinitis. Oral second-generation antihistamines are help- Options d and e are seasonal pollens that would not lead
ful adjuvants (option c). Asthma medications (options to year-round symptoms.
b and e) are not effective in nasal symptoms. Option d
is effective for ocular symptoms only, although ocular 5. e. Given he is less than 2 years of age, it is unlikely
symptoms will benefit from use of intranasal steroids. he has had enough time to become sensitized to tree
pollens. Typically 2 seasons should have occurred
3. e. Given the periumbilical rash and ear rash, this is likely with the first leading to sensitization and the second
metal related. Nickel is the most common and is found causing symptoms. The puppy is a recent addition and
on jean clasps and in ear studs. The chemical product so there has been little time to induce sensitization
(options a and d) is unlikely because it would have likely (options a and b ruled out), and the presence of day
dripped onto the neck, and that is clear and would not care, option e is most likely. He is too young for option
explain her umbilical rash. Option b is a possibility, but c and has no recent medication use to make option d
for children, earlobes are a rare location. Option c is likely.
unlikely given no description of circular crops of eczem-
atous lesions and no recent infection history. 6. c. 50% develop asthma.
4. c. Given no pets in the house (options a and b) and the 7. d. 80% of asthmatics have some aeroallergen sensitiza-
presence of carpeting, along with stuffed animals, dust tion.
3 Allergies, lmmunotherapy,
and Anaphylaxis
KIRAN P. PATEL, MD, MS
Delayed reactions (>2 hours) are seen in a-gal al- Cow's milk protein proctocolitis is based on clinical
lergy (reaction to pork, lamb, or beef) or food-asso- history and response to elimination diet; skin or serum
ciated, exercise-induced anaphylaxis (reaction after allergy testing has no clinical utility
consumption of food followed by exercise)
Oral allergy syndrome symptoms: throat or tongue TREATMENT
itching, lip swelling
Symptoms only with raw fruits, vegetables, spices, ■ lgE mediated:
peanuts, or nuts; cooked forms are tolerated Food allergy:
Latex-fruit syndrome seen in patients with history of Avoidance of food; oral immunotherapy may play a
bladder exstrophy or spina bifida (exposure to latex) role in the future
• Mixed IgE/non-lgE mediated: Peanut allergy has little cross-reactivity with other
Eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms: dysphagia, legumes
odynophagia, weight loss, food impaction, emesis, Hot-pressed peanut oils typically do not contain suf-
abdominal pain ficient proteins and the refore are safe to consume
Atopic dermatitis symptoms: erythematous macules The majority of patients with cow's milk or egg
and papules; distinct from hives or angioedema allergy tolerate baked foods, including those with
• Non-IgE mediated: these allergens
Food protein-induced enterocolitis occurs primarily in Cow's milk allergy cross-reacts with the majority
infants, usually after being solely breastfed and intro- of mammalian milks; in lgE-mediated cow's milk
duced to either solid foods or soy/cow's milk formula allergy, soy milk may be an alternative with little
Chronic exposure: emesis, diarrhea, poor growth, or cross-reactivity
lethargy No cross-reactivity exists between fish and
Acute exposure (after restriction): emesis, diarrhea, shellfish
or hypotension within 2 to 6 hours after ingestion Natural history:
Cow's milk protein proctocolitis: mucus and/or bloody Cow's milk, egg, soy, and wheat allergies resolve in
stools the majority of patients during childhood.
Peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies are
DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION lifelong in the majority of patients
A small minority will outgrow it; therefore periodic
• lgG testing to foods has no known clinical utility in any reassessment with allergy testing and possible food
food adverse reaction challenges is warranted
• lgE mediated: ■ Mixed lgE/non-IgE mediated:
Tests are very sensitive but not specific Eosinophilic esophagitis: elimination diet and elemen-
40% of the general population will have at least one tal or swallowed steroids are options; periodic EGDs are
positive test to foods, leading to a high false-positive needed to monitor
rate A subset of patients resolves with high-dose PPI
Test values (millimeters for skin or kU/L for serum) pre- therapy
dict only the probability of a clinical reaction to a food Atopic dermatitis
Allergy testing (serum or skin) is helpful only in Can consider elimination diet but can lead to poor nu-
suspected foods causing IgE-mediated symptoms or trition and increased risk of lgE-mediated food allergy
in persistent eczema, despite optimized management ■ Non-IgE mediated:
and topical corticosteroid therapy (and testing only for Food protein-induced enterocolitis: elimination diet
foods in the diet) and referral to specialist for plan for food challenges
Panel testing is not recommended in any situation around early childhood (2-5 years) because the ma-
Oral allergy syndrome is confirmed by pollen sensitiza- jority self-resolve
tion and clinical history Cow's milk and soy are cross-reactive in this disease
• Mixed IgE/non-lgE mediated: Acute episodes are treated with intravenous (IV)
Eosinophilic esophagitis fluids and IV ondansetron
Serum or skin allergy testing has no clinical utility Epinephrine, Hl blockers, H2 blockers, and corticos-
Elimination diets and food introductions with inter- teroids have no role in treatment
mittent esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) are Cow's milk protein proctocolitis: elemental formula
the only diagnostic tests to evaluate for causative and avoidance of both soy and cow's milk
food allergens Challenge at 1 year
Atopic dermatitis
Skin or serum allergy may have clinical utility in
only refractory cases Hymenoptera Allergy
• Non-IgE mediated:
Food protein-induced enterocolitis is based on clinical BASIC INFORMATION
history and response to elimination diet; skin or serum
allergy testing has no clinical utility ■ Hymenoptera stings are due to honeybees and vespids
May develop anemia, hy p o albuminemia, leukocytosis, (yellow jacket, hornet, wasp) and can cause anaphylaxis
acidosis, and methemoglobinemia during acute episodes Fire ant stings can cause anaphylaxis
3 • Allergies, lmmunotherapy, and Anaphylaxis 9
5. A 6-month-old male patient is being weaned from 10. Which of the following is not a cause of anaphylaxis?
breastfeeding. Upon switching to cow's milk formula, a. Exercise-induced wheat anaphylaxis
the patient was irritable and colicky. He was switched b. Peanut inhalation-induced anaphylaxis
to a hydrolyzed formula with some improvement in c. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis
symptoms. At age 7 months, he was given tofu and d. Fish inhalation-induced anaphylaxis
developed profuse vomiting 4 hours later. He was taken e. Idiopathic anaphylaxis
to the emergency room and treated with oral antihista-
mines with no improvement. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
a. Food protein-induced enterocolitis
b. Food protein-induced proctocolitis
10.e1
1O.e2 Review Questions
Answers
1. a. Cyproheptadine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has in clinical practice, open food challenges are more
potent Hl blocker ability. Options b, c, d, and e do not accessible. Skin or serum IgE testing (options a and b)
interfere with testing. are helpful markers of sensitization but are not confir-
matory tests of clinical disease. IgG testing (options c
2. c. Sesame seed is not a common cause of food allergy; and d) have no clinical utility in food adverse reactions
options a, b, d, and e, along with egg, soy, fish, and at this time.
shellfish, are the cause of 90% of food allergies.
7. b. Mast cell disorders can present as first-time systemic
3. b. The patient is complaining of oral allergy syndrome reactions to hymenoptera stings. Option b is the best
from apples, which is associated with birch pollen. choice to see whether there is ongoing mast cell activa-
This is a tree pollen that blooms in spring in most of tion remote to the presentation. Option a will be ele-
the United States. Options a and e are incorrect because vated in many patients with systemic reaction without
this is indeed a seasonal issue. Option c is grass season mast cell disorders. Options c, d, and e are not abnor-
and is associated with melons, as is fall (option d) for mal in mast cell disorders.
weeds.
8. e. Vaccine reactions are rare (<1/1,000,000 injec-
4. c. The patient is likely to have eosinophilic esophagitis, tions). If they do occur, it is to the vaccine component
given his atopic background and food impaction presen- like gelatin (option e) and not to the antigens (options
tation. This is a mixed picture. Option a describes patients a, b, and c) or ionic molecules (option d).
with hives with ingestion of foods. Option b would be food
protein-induced enterocolitis. Option c would be lactose 9. a. High osmolar radiocontrast can induce mast cell
deficiency. Option e would be celiac disease. degranulation leading to systemic reaction. Option b
and d are medical myths. Option e is unlikely given the
5. a. The patient has classic symptoms of acute food protein likely culprit with timing. Option c is not a known clini-
induced enterocolitis (FPIBS) reaction. Cow's milk and cal entity.
soy are commonly cross-reactive in this disease which
would explain reaction to tofu (soy product). Option 10. b. Studies have shown that inhalation of peanuts is
c is unlikely, given it is a plant-based, noncanned food chemical based only and that no protein is aerosol-
and unlikely to cause food poisoning therefore. Option ized; the refore systemic reactions are not likely. Any
d would be a potential etiology with cow's milk contain- symptoms are attributed to chemical smells that
ing lactose sugars but would not be this severe in lactase induce psychological symptoms. This holds true for
deficiency. Option e would present with bloody stools. most foods, except option d; fish proteins can become
aerosolized and cause systemic reactions. Options a,
6. e. Food challenges are the gold standard test, specifi- c, and e are known clinical entities as causes of ana-
cally double-blind placebo-controlled challenges, but phylaxis.
4 Selected Topics in Allergy
KIRAN P. PATEL, MD, MS
Hypersensitivity Reactions not the etiology, and presence of these allergens would
not cause persistent symptoms (e.g., eating dairy at
one meal in a day would not lead to >6 weeks of hive
BASIC INFORMATION symptoms despite eliminating the dairy from other
See Table 4.1 for a comparison of the different types of meals in that time frame)
hypersensitivity disorders. Empiric food elimination diets are not warranted in
chronic urticaria because the food allergens are not
the cause
Urticaria If concerned for underlying disorder, additional testing
may be warranted:
BASIC INFORMATION Thyroid disease: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Rheumatologic diseases: complete blood count (CBC)
Acute urticaria can occur due to a variety of triggers: with differential, ESR, CRP, C3, C4, LFT, Cr
Infectious diseases (viruses are the most common Malignancy: CBC with differential
cause of acute urticaria in children) Can consider sending for autoantibody levels: Chronic
Aeroallergens (pollen, animal dander), foods, medica- Urticaria Index
tions, insects Helps only in etiology and has no bearing on treat-
Physical factors (cold, pressure, heat, light) ment or prognosis
Chronic urticaria Differential diagnosis of urticaria
Urticaria for >6 weeks Contact dermatitis
Idiopathic in the majority of cases Erythema multiforme: targetoid appearance
If other disease-specific symptoms are present, evalu- Mast cell disorders (see below)
ate for underlying disorders: Papular urticaria: insect bite-induced delayed hyper-
Thyroid disease sensitivity
Rheumatologic diseases Chronic or recurrent eruptions of papules, vesicles,
Malignancy and wheals, especially on extensor surfaces
Food is not a cause of chronic urticaria (usually spares genital, perianal, and axilla); classi-
Up to 50% of patients may have autoantibody that cally appearing as a linear cluster on exposed body
can activate mast cells surfaces
See also Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Chapter 148, Palms and soles are often spared
"Physical Urticaria." Episodic nature (especially at nighttime)
11
12 SECTION 1 • Allergy
Immediate lgE-mediated
activation of
lgE-mediated food
allergy
Mastocytosis
mast cells and Anaphylaxis and
basophils "anaphylactoid" BASIC INFORMATION
reactions
Allergic rhinitis ■ Twoforms:
Asthma Cutaneous mastocytosis (predominantly children),
II Antibody lgG or lgM Hemolytic anemia three subcategories:
mediated Graves' disease Maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (MPCM) or
Myasthenia gravis urticaria pigmentosa
Ill Immune lgG and comple- Systemic lupus Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM)
complex ment deposi- erythematosus Mastocytoma of the skin
mediated tion Glomerulonephritis Systemic mastocytosis (predominantly adults), four
Serum sickness
Arthus reaction subcategories:
Vasculitis Indolent systemic mastocytosis
IV Delayed T cell activation Contact dermatitis Aggressive systemic mastocytosis
PPD testing Systemic mastocytosis with non-mast-cell lineage
hematologic disease
Mast cell leukemia
Majority of patients in all four subcategories have
If refractory to the above therapies, refer to specialist cutaneous symptoms
for omalizumab or immunosuppression therapies
Prognosis is good with resolution in up to 50% by 1
year of onset
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
■ Cutaneous mastocytosis
80% of patients will have brown or red skin lesions
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Darier' s sign is seen in most patients
Whealing or reddening of the skin with mechanical
BASIC INFORMATION stroking or rubbing
Categorized based on skin findings into subcategory
• Most often an autosomal dominant disease due to a defi- <10% of patients develop systemic symptoms
ciency in C 1-esterase inhibitor, leading to dysregulation ■ Systemic mastocytosis
of the complement pathway and intermittent episodes of Previously mentioned cutaneous symptoms
swelling of various body parts Systemic symptoms: idiopathic anaphylaxis, flush-
Type 1: 85% of patients, quantitative defect in Cl- ing, hives, angioedema, diarrhea, fatigue, bone pain,
esterase inhibitor wheezing
Type 2: 15% of patients, qualitative defect in Cl-ester-
ase inhibitor
DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION
CLINICAL PRESENTATION ■ Cutaneous mastocytosis
Swelling of any body part without urticaria No bone marrow biopsy needed in children
Laryngeal swelling is one of the most feared episodes ■ Confirmed clinically but can do skin biopsy if
and can be fatal unclear
Abdominal pain can refer to intestinal swelling Systemic mastocytosis
Episodes may be preceded by trauma Bone marrow biopsy and biopsy of the affected
No pruritus and rarely with urticaria organs
Symptoms can last for several days D8 l 6V mutation analysis
Tryptase level
DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION
TREATMENT
C4 level is a cost-effective initial screening test that is
generally decreased when asymptomatic or absent dur- Cutaneous mastocytosis
ing acute attacks Topical corticosteroids for pruritic lesions
Cl esterase inhibitor activity can be sent as a con- Oral second-generation antihistamines for pruritus
firmatory test if the C4 level is low; can also be sent if, ■ Systemic mastocytosis
despite a normal C4 level, clinical suspicion for HAE is Depending on subcategory, management often by a
very high hematologist
4 • Selected Topics in Allergy 13
Answers
1. b. The patient's symptoms are indicative of myasthenia is typically normal in HAE and therefore not helpful.
gravis, which is an antibody-mediated reaction against C3 levels are decreased during active lupus flares. C l
the acetylcholine receptor. Please refer to Table 4.1 for esterase levels or function can be sent once the C4 level
an explanation of the other hypersensitivity reactions. is confirmed to be low or absent. Tryptase has no diag-
nostic value in the patient presenting with concerns for
2. d. Timing of onset (remote to medication or food inges- HAE and without urticaria findings.
tion since patient just woke up) makes options a and e
unlikely. Dust mites do not cause hives but rather rhi- 4. e. Given the patient's prior medical history, her pre-
nitis and cough. Option c is unlikely because the patient sentation is concerning for Addison disease (nausea,
has not had major sun exposure because he is still emesis, weight loss). She likely also has an autoimmune
indoors and waking up from sleep. Option d is the likely polyglandular syndrome. Option a could be a possibility,
answer because he has low-grade fever and a viral infec- but option e is more likely given the history and no diar-
tion that likely led to his acute otitis media diagnosis. rhea or esophageal symptoms. Option bis unlikely given
lack of travel exposure or other symptoms. Option c is
3. b. The patient's symptoms indicate hereditary angio- unlikely given no fevers or other symptoms. Option d is
edema (HAE). The best screening test during an acute unlikely given normal CBC other than eosinophilia.
attack is C4 levels because these are always absent. C3
13.e1
Cardiology
14
5 ClinicalApproach
to Common Cardiac
Complaints
NEHA J. PURKEY, MD, CHARITHA D. REDDY, MD and ALAINA K KIPPS, MD, MS
15
16 SECTION 2 • Cardiology
Syncope
Ruptured sinus of Valsalva disease
aneurysm Asthma
Pulmonary hypertension Pleuritis
OTHER BASIC INFORMATION
Skin infections
■ Syncope describes loss of consciousness for any reason
Breast disease
Psychosomatic pain ■ The differential diagnosis for syncope is in Table 5.3
Most syncope in children and adolescents is benign and is
usually neurocardiogenic syncope (vasovagal syncope)
Chest Pain Vasovagal syncope presents with prodromal symp-
toms before loss of consciousness, including dizziness,
BASIC INFORMATION nausea, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and/ or tunnel vision
The differential diagnosis for pediatric chest pain is quite CLINICAL PRESENTATION
broad (see Table 5.2)
Whereas cardiac chest pain is due to inappropriate oxy- ■ "Red flags" for cardiac-related syncope
gen supply to the myocardium, chest pain in children is Loss of consciousness without prodromal symptoms
most often of non cardiac origin and carries a low risk for ■ Syncope in response to loud noise, surprise, or emo-
mortality tional distress is suspicious for long QT syndrome
5 • Clinical Approach to Common Cardiac Complaints 17
Still's murmur 2-6 years, may Early systole Grades 1-3 Lowto Vibratory LLSB, extends to Ventricular false tendons
be audible medium "twang" or apex
from infancy "musical"
to adulthood f when supine
Pulmonary All ages Early to mid-sys- Grades 2-3 Rough, dissonant Second and third Audible flow across pulmo-
flow tolic, crescendo- f when supine intercostal nary outflow tract
murmur decrescendo spaces
Peripheral 0-6 months Ejection murmur Grades 1-2 Lowto LUSB, radiates to Acute takeoff of the branch
pulmonic beginning in medium bilateral axillae PAs in neonates
stenosis mid-systole and back f with respiratory infections
Venous hum ~3-Byears Continuous mur- Grades 1-3 Whining, roaring, Low anterior Turbulence at confluence
mur, or whirring neck, extends of jugular and subclavian
f i n diastole f when supine to infraclavicu- veins as they enter SVC,
f with head lar area, R>L or angulation of UV as it
turned away courses over transverse
from examiner process of atlas
! with compres-
sion of jugular
vein
Supraclavicular Children and Brief, crescendo- Grades 1-3 Lowto Disappears with Above clavicles, Major brachiocephalic ves-
or brachia- teenagers decrescendo medium hyperex- radiates to sels arising from aorta
cephalic tension of neck
systolic shoulders
murmur
Aortic systolic Older children Ejection Grades 1-3 Lowto RUSB f with anxiety, anemia,
murmur and adults medium hyperthyroidism, or fear
Mammary Teenagers and Systolic murmur, Grades 1-3 High Varies from day Anterior chest Blood flow in arteries and
artery scuffle pregnant extends into today wall over veins leading to and
women diastole breast from breasts
LLSB: left lower sternal border; LUSB: left upper sternal border; PAs: pulmonary arteries; SVC: superior vena cava, IJV: internal jugular vein; RUSB: right upper
stenral border.
18 SECTION 2 • Cardiology
Answers
1. a. With a blood pressure at the 9 5th percentile for 2. c. This young woman's syncopal event has multiple "red
gender, age, and height, this child meets criteria for flags" for cardiogenic syncope, including syncope with
stage 1 hypertension. The Expert Panel on Integrated exercise, a history of dizziness with exertion, and lack of
Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduc- prodromal symptoms. Additional concerning features
tion in Children and Adolescents recommends repeat- include syncope in response to loud noise or surprise,
ing the blood pressure in 1 to 2 weeks to confirm the syncope while supine, a family history of sudden death,
diagnosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, initial treat- or syncope with a history of an abnormal ECG. Due to this
ment should include a detailed personal and family suspicion for a structural cardiac defect or dysrhythmia,
medical history, physical examination, screening the patient should be restricted from all exercise until she
laboratory work, echocardiogram, and screening for can be further evaluated by a cardiologist. It would be
other cardiovascular risk factors. Until the diagnosis inappropriate to allow her to continue to exercise without
is confirmed, it would be incorrect to order an echo- further evaluation (options a, b, and d).
cardiogram (option b). Therapy is recommended only
after diagnosis of stage 2 hypertension (blood pressure 3. d. This child's murmur has multiple characteristics of a
above the 95th percentile+ 12 mm Hg for age, gen- benign murmur of childhood: It is soft, systolic ejection
der, and height), and the particular pharmacologic in quality, and becomes louder when the child is supine.
agent depends on the etiology of the hypertension The vibratory nature of the murmur is also suggestive of a
(options c and d). This blood pressure is elevated, and Still's murmur, a common murmur in this age range. The
it would therefore be incorrect not to further evaluate child should be evaluated for other etiologies of failure to
the child (option e). thrive before consultation with a cardiologist.
18.e1
6 Structural Heart Disease:
Acyanotic and Cyanotic
Lesions
CHARITHA D. REDDY, MD, NEHA J. PURKEY, MD and
ALAINA K. KIPPS, MD, MS
Congenital heart disease is a fascinating topic with a diverse set In most cases of critical neonatal heart disease, oxygen
of diagnoses, ranging from normal variants to severely debili- and prostaglandins (PGE) are likely indicated; stable
tating defects. Although there are many ways to categorize central access (e.g., umbilical vein catheter) is also
these diagnoses, we have divided the chapter into acyanotic often necessary
and cyanotic lesions. However, it is important to note that See also Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Chapter 434, "Gen-
many lesions will have a spectrum of severity that allows them eral Principles of Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease."
to present in either category. Additionally, patients may pres-
ent with other complex cardiac abnormalities or combinations
of abnormalities that are beyond the scope of this chapter.
Cyanosis
BASIC INFORMATION
General Approach to Congenital Cyanosis can present as central or peripheral cyanosis
Heart Disease Central cyanosis: caused by true arterial desaturation
(lowPa0 2)
BASIC INFORMATION Bluish discoloration of skin, mucous membranes
(lips, gums), clubbing
■ The history, physical examination, and basic evaluation Usually requires 5 g/dL of deoxyhemoglobin to appear
strategies can lead to a swift diagnosis and appropriate cyanotic. In a patient with a normal hematocrit, this
management, particularly in the ill neonate corresponds to <85% saturation. Anemic patients may
Elements of the history include: have a significantly lower saturation before appearing
Symptoms: feeding tolerance, tachypnea, cyanosis, cyanotic (-65%). Polycythemic patients may appear cy-
fatigue, urine output, growth history anotic earlier than those with a normal red blood count
Family history of heart disease and other genetic Occurs in congenital heart disease with limited pul-
syndromes, prenatal care, prenatal exposures and monary blood flow or transposition
complications, and results of fetal imaging studies Peripheral cyanosis: normal arterial saturation (nor-
Elements of the physical examination include: mal Pa0 2 )
Murmurs (see Chapter 5) Bluish discoloration of skin of extremities or perioral area
• Four-extremity blood pressures, brachial and femoral Acrocyanosis can be normal in neonates
pulses Abnormal if patient has signs of poor perfusion or shock
Pre- and postductal saturations
Clubbing ACYANOTIC LESIONS
Cyanosis (central versus peripheral)
■ Elements of the diagnostic evaluation include:
Chest x-ray: evaluation for pulmonary edema, dark
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
lung fields from diminished pulmonary blood flow (i.e. BASIC INFORMATION
oligemic lung fields), enlarged or abnormally shaped
cardiac silhouette, dextrocardia, other respiratory or ■ The ductus arteriosus is a connection between the aorta
abdominal findings and the pulmonary artery that is a normal and essential
ECG structure in fetal life (see Fig. 6. 2)
Hyperoxia test for cyanotic newborns to determine ■ In utero, blood pumped by the right ventricle mostly by-
whether cyanosis is due to lung disease or congenital passes the lungs via the ductus into the descending aorta,
heart disease allowing perfusion to the body and back to the placenta
Arterial blood gas (ABG) is obtained while the infant ■ With the first breath after birth, the drop in pulmonary
is breathing room air and then repeated after the in- vascular resistance (PVR) and the increase in systemic
fant has been placed on 100% oxygen for 10 minutes vascular resistance (SVR) reverse the direction of ductal
See Fig. 6.1 for schema of diagnostic approach flow, causing blood to flow from the aorta into the pul-
Management monary artery via the PDA. The more oxygenated blood
Management of cardiac diseases is dictated by underly- now flowing through the PDA promotes closure of the
ing physiology of the cardiac defect ductus, usually within the first few days of life
19
20 SECTION 2 • Cardiology
I
Hyperoxia test
Pa02 < 80
Pa02 > 80:
Unlikely to be cyanotic I
I
-
CXR shows show
pulmonary pulmonary
Pulmonary Pulmonary edema edema
congestion + congestion, TGA
cardiomegaly NO with PH or
cardiomegaly coarctation
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Small PD As are generally asymptomatic. They may be
first suspected as a systolic or continuous murmur
■ Moderate to large PDAs are associated with:
Increased risk of respiratory tract infections
Congestive heart failure symptoms
Examination:
Grade I-IV /VI continuous murmur, often described
as "machinery-like." Usually heard at the left upper
sternal border (LUSB)
May have widened pulse pressure and associated
Fig. 6.2. The ductus arteriosus is a connection between the aorta and
the pulmonary artery that is a normal and essential structure in fetal
bounding pulses
life. Illustration provided by Charitha D. Reddy, MD. In premature infants, PDAs can cause a hemodynami-
cally significant left-to-right shunting severe enough to
A persistent PDA beyond the first few weeks of life causes lead to systemic hypoperfusion
a left-to-right shunt in a structurally normal heart Diminished systemic blood flow can contribute to risk
■ Many forms of congenital heart disease have either limited for Necrotizing enterocolitis, myocardial ischemia,
pulmonary or systemic blood flow, leading to reliance on renal injury, and so forth
6 • Structural Heart Disease: Acyanotic and Cyanotic Lesions 21
TREATMENT
■ Hemodynamically significant PDAs in premature infants:
Fluid restriction and diuretics
Indomethacin or NSAIDs to close the PDA
Contraindicated in infants with bleeding risks (e.g.
NEC, thrombocytopenia, intracranial hypertension)
If medical management fails, the PDA can be ligated Fig. 6.3. An atrial septa I defect is an opening in the septum between the
surgically right and left atrium. Illustration provided by Charitha D. Reddy, MD.
■ Persistently patent PDAs in full-tern1 infants and children:
SmallPDAs Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
If a PDA is tiny on echocardiogram and no murmur In utero, placental blood returns to the heart, and
is auscultated, no closure is recommended the majority crosses the PFO to the left atrium. This
If an audible murmur is present, catheterization allows for the most oxygenated blood to reach the
closure is recommended due to a risk of infective coronary arteries and the brain
endocarditis --30% of normal, healthy adults have a residual PFO
Moderate or large PDAs PrhnumASD (15%-20%)
Should be closed via catheterizatio11 to treat conges- Endocardial cushion defect
tive heart failure and prevent the develop1nent of Comprises the atrial con1ponent of atrioventricular
pulmonary hypertension (AV) canal defects
■ Options for closure Secundum ASD (70%)
Device closure in the catheterization laboratory is Defect in the septum primum
standard for generally asymptomatic older infants and Sinus venosus defect (5%-10 °/o)
children Majority of these defects occur in conjunction with
Surgical closure involves ligation and division; gener- partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAVPR)
ally used for premature infants Coronary sinus defect (< 1%)
Common complications: In severe cases, left atrial pressure rises due to increased
Vocal cord paralysis (injury to recurrent laryngeal pulmonary venous blood return. In PFOs, this usu-
nerve)/diaphragm paresis (injury to phrenic nerve) ally helps the flap to close. In other forms of ASDs, this
Chylothorax (injury to thoracic duct) increases the left-to-right atrial shunting
Later-onset scoliosis related to thoracoton1y ■ An atrial-level communication is required for survival in
many other congenital cyanotic heart lesions to ensure
adequate mixing of systemic and pulmonary blood flow
Atrial Septal Defects {ASD)
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
BASIC INFORMATION
Often asymptomatic until adolescence or adulthood
■ Accounts for 13 1/oof congenital heart disease Symptoms may include exercise intolerance, shortness
• An ASD is an opening in the septum between the right of breath, and fatigue
and left atrium and is categorized by the location of the May have palpitations due to atrial arrhythmias (atrial
defect (see Fig. 6.3) flutter and/ or atrial fibrillation) related to atrial stretch
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Fig. 313.—Diodon maculatus.
THIRD SUB-CLASS—CYCLOSTOMATA.
Skeleton cartilaginous and notochordal, without ribs and without
real jaws. Skull not separate from the vertebral column. No limbs.
Gills in the form of fixed sacs, without branchial arches, six or seven
in number on each side. One nasal aperture only. Heart without
bulbus arteriosus. Mouth anterior, surrounded by a circular or
subcircular lip, suctorial. Alimentary canal straight, simple, without
coecal appendages, pancreas or spleen. Generative outlet
peritoneal. Vertical fins rayed.
The Cyclostomes are most probably a very ancient type.
Unfortunately the organs of these creatures are too soft to be
preserved, with the exception of the horny denticles with which the
mouth of some of them is armed. And, indeed, dental plates, which
are very similar to those of Myxine, are not uncommon in certain
strata of Devonian and Silurian age (see p. 193). The fishes
belonging to this sub-class may be divided into two families—
First Family—Petromyzontidæ.
Body eel-shaped, naked. Subject to a metamorphosis; in the
perfect stage with a suctorial mouth armed with teeth, simple or
multicuspid, horny, sitting on a soft papilla. Maxillary, mandibulary,
lingual, and suctorial teeth may be distinguished. Eyes present (in
mature animals). External nasal aperture in the middle of the upper
side of the head. The nasal duct terminates without perforating the
palate. Seven branchial sacs and apertures on each side behind the
head; the inner branchial ducts terminate in a separate common
tube. Intestine with a spiral valve. Eggs small. The larvæ without
teeth, and with a single continuous vertical fin.
“Lampreys” are found in the rivers and on the coasts of the
temperate regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. Their
habits are but incompletely known, but so much is certain that at
least some of them ascend rivers periodically, for the purpose of
spawning, and that the young pass several years in rivers, whilst
they undergo a metamorphosis (see p. 170). They feed on other
fishes, to which they suck themselves fast, scraping off the flesh with
their teeth. Whilst thus engaged they are carried about by their
victim; Salmon have been captured in the middle course of the Rhine
with the Marine Lamprey attached to them.
FOURTH SUB-CLASS—LEPTOCARDII.
Skeleton membrano-cartilaginous and notochordal, ribless. No
brain. Pulsating sinuses in place of a heart. Blood colourless.
Respiratory cavity confluent with the abdominal cavity; branchial
clefts in great number, the water being expelled by an opening in
front of the vent. Jaws none.
This sub-class is represented by a single family (Cirrostomi) and
by a single genus (Branchiostoma);[48] it is the lowest in the scale of
fishes, and lacks so many characteristics, not only of this class, but
of the vertebrata generally, that Hæckel, with good reason,
separates it into a separate class, that of Acrania. The various parts
of its organisation have been duly noticed in the first part of this
work.
The “Lancelet” (Branchiostoma lanceolatum, see Fig. 28, p. 63),
seems to be almost cosmopolitan within the temperate and tropical
zones. Its small size, its transparency, and the rapidity with which it
is able to bury itself in the sand, are the causes why it escapes so
readily observation, even at localities where it is known to be
common. Shallow, sandy parts of the coasts seem to be the places
on which it may be looked for. It has been found on many localities of
the British, and generally European coasts, in North America, the
West Indies, Brazil, Peru, Tasmania, Australia, and Borneo. It rarely
exceeds a length of three inches. A smaller species, in which the
dorsal fringe is distinctly higher and rayed, and in which the caudal
fringe is absent, has been described under the name of
Epigionichthys pulchellus; it was found in Moreton Bay.
APPENDIX.
DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES.
Whenever practicable fishes ought to be preserved in spirits.
To insure success in preserving specimens the best and
strongest spirits should be procured, which, if necessary, can be
reduced to the strength required during the journey with water or
weaker spirit. Travellers frequently have great difficulties in procuring
spirits during their journey, and therefore it is advisable, especially
during sea voyages, that the traveller should take a sufficient
quantity with him. Pure spirits of wine is best. Methylated spirits may
be recommended on account of their cheapness; however,
specimens do not keep equally well in this fluid, and very valuable
objects, or such as are destined for minute anatomical examination,
should always be kept in pure spirits of wine. If the collector has
exhausted his supply of spirits he may use arrack, cognac, or rum,
provided that the fluids contain a sufficient quantity of alcohol.
Generally speaking, spirits which, without being previously heated,
can be ignited by a match or taper, may be used for the purposes of
conservation. The best method to test the strength of the spirits is
the use of a hydrometer. It is immersed in the fluid to be measured,
and the deeper it sinks the stronger is the spirit. On its scale the
number 0 signifies what is called proof spirit, the lowest degree of
strength which can be used for the conservation of fish for any length
of time. Spirits, in which specimens are packed permanently, should
be from 40 to 60 above proof. If the hydrometers are made of glass
they are easily broken, and therefore the traveller had better provide
himself with three or four of them, their cost being very trifling.
Further, the collector will find a small distilling apparatus very useful.
By its means he is able not only to distil weak and deteriorated spirits
or any other fluid containing alcohol, but also, in case of necessity, to
prepare a small quantity of drinkable spirits.
Of collecting vessels we mention first those which the collector
requires for daily use. Most convenient are four-sided boxes made of
zinc, 18 in. high, 12 in. broad, and 5 in. wide. They have a round
opening at the top of 4 in. diameter, which can be closed by a strong
cover of zinc of 5 in. diameter, the cover being screwed into a raised
rim round the opening. In order to render the cover air-tight, an
indiarubber ring is fixed below its margin. Each of these zinc boxes
fits into a wooden case, the lid of which is provided with hinges and
fastenings, and which on each side has a handle of leather or rope,
so that the box can be easily shifted from one place to another.
These boxes are in fact made from the pattern of the ammunition
cases used in the British army, and extremely convenient, because a
pair can be easily carried strapped over the shoulders of a man or
across the back of a mule. The collector requires at least two, still
better four or six, of these boxes. All those specimens which are
received during the day are deposited in them, in order to allow them
to be thoroughly penetrated by the spirit, which must be renewed
from time to time. They remain there for some time under the
supervision of the collector, and are left in these boxes until they are
hardened and fit for final packing. Of course, other more simple
vessels can be used and substituted for the collecting boxes. For
instance, common earthenware vessels, closed by a cork or an
indiarubber covering, provided they have a wide mouth at the top,
which can be closed so that the spirit does not evaporate, and which
permits of the specimens being inspected at any moment without
trouble. Vessels in which the objects are permanently packed for the
home journey are zinc boxes of various sizes, closely fitting into
wooden cases. Too large a size should be avoided, because the
objects themselves may suffer from the superimposed weight, and
the risk of injury to the case increases with its size. It should hold no
more than 18 cubic feet at most, and what, in accordance with the
size of the specimens, has to be added in length should be deducted
in depth or breadth. The most convenient cases, but not sufficient for
all specimens, are boxes 2 feet in length, 1½ foot broad, and 1 foot
deep. The traveller may provide himself with such cases ready
made, packing in them other articles which he wants during his
journey; or he may find it more convenient to take with him only the
zinc plates cut to the several sizes, and join them into boxes when
they are actually required. The requisite wooden cases can be
procured without much difficulty almost everywhere. No collector
should be without the apparatus and materials for soldering, and he
should be well acquainted with their use. Also a pair of scissors to
cut the zinc plates are useful.
Wooden casks are not suitable for the packing of specimens
preserved in spirits, at least not in tropical climates. They should be
used in cases of necessity only, or for packing of the largest
examples, or for objects preserved in salt or brine.
Very small and delicate specimens should never be packed
together with larger ones, but separately, in small bottles.
Mode of preserving.—All fishes, with the exception of very large
ones (broad kinds exceeding 3–4 feet in length; eel-like kinds more
than 6 feet long), should be preserved in spirits. A deep cut should
be made in the abdomen between the pectoral fins, another in front
of the vent, and one or two more, according to the length of the fish,
along the middle line of the abdomen. These cuts are made partly to
remove the fluid and easily decomposing contents of the intestinal
tract, partly to allow the spirit quickly to penetrate into the interior. In
large fleshy fishes several deep incisions should be made with the
scalpel into the thickest parts of the dorsal and caudal muscles, to
give ready entrance to the spirits. The specimens are then placed in
one of the provisional boxes, in order to extract, by means of the
spirit, the water of which fishes contain a large quantity. After a few
days (in hot climates after 24 or 48 hours) the specimens are
transferred into a second box with stronger spirits, and left therein for
several days. A similar third and, in hot climates sometimes a fourth,
transfer is necessary. This depends entirely on the condition of the
specimens. If, after ten or fourteen days of such treatment the
specimens are firm and in good condition, they may be left in the
spirits last used until they are finally packed. But if they should be
soft, very flexible, and discharge a discoloured bloody mucus, they
must be put back in spirits at least 20° over proof. Specimens
showing distinct signs of decomposition should be thrown away, as
they imperil all other specimens in the same vessel. Neither should
any specimen in which decomposition has commenced when found,
be received for the collecting boxes, unless it be of a very rare
species, when the attempt may be made to preserve it separately in
the strongest spirits available. The fresher the specimens to be
preserved are, the better is the chance of keeping them in a perfect
condition. Specimens which have lost their scales, or are otherwise
much injured, should not be kept. Herring-like fishes, and others with
deciduous scales, are better wrapped in thin paper or linen before
being placed in spirits.
The spirits used during this all-important process of preservation
loses, of course, gradually in strength. As long as it keeps 10° under
proof it may still be used for the first stage of preservation, but
weaker spirits should be re-distilled; or, if the collector cannot do this,
it should be at least filtered through powdered charcoal before it is
mixed with stronger spirits. Many collectors are satisfied with
removing the thick sediment collected at the bottom of the vessel,
and use their spirits over and over again without removing from it by
filtration the decomposing matter with which it has been
impregnated, and which entirely neutralises the preserving property
of the spirits. The result is generally the loss of the collection on its
journey home. The collector can easily detect the vitiated character
of his spirits by its bad smell. He must frequently examine his
specimens; and attention to the rules given, with a little practice and
perseverance, after the possible failure of the first trial, will soon
insure to him the safety of his collected treasures. The trouble of
collecting specimens in spirits is infinitely less than that of preserving
skins or dry specimens of any kind.
When a sufficient number of well-preserved examples have been
brought together, they should be sent home by the earliest
opportunity. Each specimen should be wrapped separately in a piece
of linen, or at least soft paper; the specimens are then packed as
close as herrings in the zinc case, so that no free space is left either
at the top or on the sides. When the case is full, the lid is soldered
on, with a round hole about half an inch in diameter near one of the
corners. This hole is left in order to pour the spirit through it into the
case. Care is taken to drive out the air which may remain between
the specimens, and to surround them completely with spirits, until
the case is quite full. Finally, the hole is closed by a small square lid
of tin being soldered over it. In order to see whether the case keeps
in the spirit perfectly, it is turned upside down and left over night.
When all is found to be securely fastened, the zinc case is placed
into the wooden box and ready for transport.
Now and then it happens in tropical climates that collectors are
unable to keep fishes from decomposition even in the strongest
spirits without being able to detect the cause. In such cases a
remedy will be found in mixing a small quantity of arsenic or
sublimate with the spirits; but the collector ought to inform his
correspondent, or the recipient of the collection, of this admixture
having been made.
In former times fishes of every kind, even those of small size,
were preserved dry as flat skins or stuffed. Specimens thus prepared
admit of a very superficial examination only, and therefore this
method of conservation has been abandoned in all larger museums,
and should be employed exceptionally only, for instance on long
voyages overland, during which, owing to the difficulty of transport,
neither spirits nor vessels can be carried. To make up as much as
possible for the imperfection of such specimens, the collector ought
to sketch the fish before it is skinned, and to colour the sketch if the
species is ornamented with colours likely to disappear in the dry
example. Collectors who have the requisite time and skill, ought to
accompany their collections with drawings coloured from the living
fishes; but at the same time it must be remembered that, valuable as
such drawings are if accompanied by the originals from which they
were made, they can never replace the latter, and possess a
subordinate scientific value only.
Very large fishes can be preserved as skins only; and collectors
are strongly recommended to prepare in this manner the largest
examples obtainable, although it will entail some trouble and
expense. So very few large examples are exhibited in museums, the
majority of the species being known from the young stage only, that
the collector will find himself amply recompensed by attending to
these desiderata.
Scaly fishes are skinned thus: with a strong pair of scissors an
incision is made along the median line of the abdomen from the
foremost part of the throat, passing on one side of the base of the
ventral and anal fins, to the root of the caudal fin, the cut being
continued upwards to the back of the tail close to the base of the
caudal. The skin of one side of the fish is then severed with the
scalpel from the underlying muscles to the median line of the back;
the bones which support the dorsal and caudal are cut through, so
that these fins remain attached to the skin. The removal of the skin
of the opposite side is easy. More difficult is the preparation of the
head and scapulary region; the two halves of the scapular arch
which have been severed from each other by the first incision are
pressed towards the right and left, and the spine is severed behind
the head, so that now only the head and shoulder bones remain
attached to the skin. These parts have to be cleaned from the inside,
all soft parts, the branchial and hyoid apparatus, and all smaller
bones, being cut away with the scissors or scraped off with the
scalpel. In many fishes, which are provided with a characteristic
dental apparatus in the pharynx (Labroids, Cyprinoids), the
pharyngeal bones ought to be preserved, and tied with a thread to
the specimen. The skin being now prepared so far, its entire inner
surface as well as the inner side of the head are rubbed with
arsenical soap; cotton-wool, or some other soft material is inserted
into any cavities or hollows, and finally a thin layer of the same
material is placed between the two flaps of the skin. The specimen is
then dried under a slight weight to keep it from shrinking.
The scales of some fishes, as for instance of many kinds of
herrings, are so delicate and deciduous that the mere handling
causes them to rub off easily. Such fishes may be covered with thin
paper (tissue-paper is the best), which is allowed to dry on them
before skinning. There is no need for removing the paper before the
specimen has reached its destination.
Scaleless Fishes, as Siluroids and Sturgeons, are skinned in the
same manner, but the skin can be rolled up over the head; such
skins can also be preserved in spirits, in which case the traveller
may save to himself the trouble of cleaning the head.
Some Sharks are known to attain to a length of 30 feet, and
some Rays to a width of 20 feet. The preservation of such gigantic
specimens is much to be recommended, and although the difficulties
of preserving fishes increase with their size, the operation is
facilitated, because the skins of all Sharks and Rays can easily be
preserved in salt and strong brine. Sharks are skinned much in the
same way as ordinary fishes. In Rays an incision is made not only
from the snout to the end of the fleshy part of the tail, but also a
second across the widest part of the body. When the skin is removed
from the fish, it is placed into a cask with strong brine mixed with
alum, the head occupying the upper part of the cask; this is
necessary, because this part is most likely to show signs of
decomposition, and therefore most requires supervision. When the
preserving fluid has become decidedly weaker from the extracted
blood and water, it is thrown away and replaced by fresh brine. After
a week’s or fortnight’s soaking the skin is taken out of the cask to
allow the fluid to drain off; its inner side is covered with a thin layer of
salt, and after being rolled up (the head being inside) it is packed in a
cask, the bottom of which is covered with salt; all the interstices and
the top are likewise filled with salt. The cask must be perfectly water-
tight.
Of all larger examples of which the skin is prepared, the
measurements should be taken before skinning so as to guide the
taxidermist in stuffing and mounting the specimens.
Skeletons of large osseous fishes are as valuable as their skins.
To preserve them it is only necessary to remove the soft parts of the
abdominal cavity and the larger masses of muscle, the bones being
left in their natural continuity. The remaining flesh is allowed to dry
on the bones, and can be removed by proper maceration at home.
The fins ought to be as carefully attended to as in a skin, and of
scaly fishes so much of the external skin ought to be preserved as is
necessary for the determination of the species, as otherwise it is
generally impossible to determine more than the genus.
A few remarks may be added as regards those Faunæ, which
promise most results to the explorer, with some hints as to desirable
information on the life and economic value of fishes.
It is surprising to find how small the number is of the freshwater
faunæ which may be regarded as well explored; the rivers of Central
Europe, the Lower Nile, the lower and middle course of the Ganges,
and the lower part of the Amazons are almost the only fresh waters
in which collections made without discrimination would not reward
the naturalist. The oceanic areas are much better known; yet almost
everywhere novel forms can be discovered and new observations
made. Most promising and partly quite unknown are the following
districts:—the Arctic Ocean, all coasts south of 38° lat. S., the Cape
of Good Hope, the Persian Gulf, the coasts of Australia (with the
exception of Tasmania, New South Wales, and New Zealand), many
of the little-visited groups of Pacific islands, the coasts of north-
eastern Asia north of 35° lat. N., and the western coasts of North and
South America.
No opportunity should be lost to obtain pelagic forms, especially
the young larva-like stages of development abounding on the
surface of the open ocean. They can be obtained without difficulty by
means of a small narrow meshed net dragged behind the ship. The
sac of the net is about 3 feet deep, and fastened to a strong brass-
ring 2 or 2½ feet in diameter. The net is suspended by three lines
passing into the strong main line. It can only be used when the
vessel moves very slowly, its speed not exceeding three knots an
hour, or when a current passes the ship whilst at anchor. To keep the
net in a vertical position the ring can be weighted at one point of its
circumference; and by using heavier weights two or three drag-nets
can be used simultaneously at different depths. This kind of fishing
should be tried at night as well as day, as many fishes come to the
surface only after sunset. The net must not be left long in the water,
from 5 to 20 minutes only, as delicate objects would be sure to be
destroyed by the force of the water passing through the meshes.
Objects found floating on the surface, as wood, baskets,
seaweed, etc., deserve the attention of the travellers, as they are
generally surrounded by small fishes or other marine animals.
It is of the greatest importance to note the longitude and latitude
at which the objects were collected in the open ocean.
Fishing in great depths by means of the dredge, can be practised
only from vessels specially fitted out for the purpose; and the
success which attended the “Challenger,” and North American Deep-
sea explorations, has developed Deep-sea fishing into such a
speciality that the requisite information can be gathered better by
consulting the reports of those expeditions than from a general
account, such as could be given in the present work.
Fishes offer an extraordinary variety with regard to their habits,
growth, etc., so that it is impossible to enumerate in detail the points
of interest to which the travellers should pay particular attention.
However, the following hints may be useful.
Above all, detailed accounts are desirable of all fishes forming
important articles of trade, or capable of becoming more generally
useful than they are at present. Therefore, deserving of special
attention are the Sturgeons, Gadoids, Thyrsites and Chilodactylus,
Salmonoids, Clupeoids. Wherever these fishes are found in sufficient
abundance, new sources may be opened to trade.
Exact observations should be made on the fishes the flesh of
which is poisonous either constantly or at certain times and certain
localities; the cause of the poisonous qualities as well as the nature
of the poison should be ascertained. Likewise the poison of fishes
provided with special poison-organs requires to be experimentally
examined, especially with regard to its effects on other fishes and
animals generally.
All observations directed to sex, mode of propagation, and
development, will have special interest: thus those relating to
secondary sexual characters, hermaphroditism, numeric proportion
of the sexes, time of spawning and migration, mode of spawning,
construction of nests, care of progeny, change of form during growth,
etc.
If the collector is unable to preserve the largest individuals of a
species that may come under his observation he should note at least
their measurements. There are but few species of fishes of which the
limit of growth is known.
The history of Parasitic Fishes is almost unknown, and any
observations with regard to their relation to their host as well as to
their early life will prove to be valuable; nothing is known of the
propagation of fishes even so common as Echeneis and Fierasfer,
much less of the parasitic Freshwater Siluroids.
The temperature of the blood of the larger freshwater and marine
species should be exactly measured.
Many pelagic and deep-sea fishes are provided with peculiar
small round organs of a mother-of-pearl colour, distributed in series
along the side of the body, especially along the abdomen. Some
zoologists consider these organs as accessory eyes, others (and it
appears to us with better reason) as luminous organs. They deserve
an accurate microscopic examination made on fresh specimens; and
their function should be ascertained from observation of the living
fishes, especially also with regard to the question, whether or not the
luminosity (if such be their function) is subject to the will of the fish.