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A podcast on the evaluation and management of penetrating neck injuries in children – PEMBlog
Penetrating neck injuries in children are rare—but when they happen, the stakes are high. In this episode of PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast, we explore the clinical pearls behind “no-zone” management, how to distinguish hard and soft signs, when to image versus operate, and why airway always comes first. Get ready for
Timing of Repeat Epinephrine in Pediatric Anaphylaxis: How Long Should We Observe? – PEMBlog
Introduction Observation periods after epinephrine treatment for pediatric anaphylaxis vary widely across emergency departments. While prolonged stays are often intended to catch biphasic reactions, they can also lead to unnecessary admissions and extended ED length of stay. This multicenter retrospective study aims to provide evidence-based guidance
Lupus Emergencies in Children and Adolescents – PEMBlog
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with protean manifestations. In pediatric patients, complications can evolve rapidly and carry significant morbidity and mortality. Emergency medicine providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for these entities in children and adolescents with known or suspected SLE. Below is a focused overview of
Predicting Pediatric Pneumonia Severity in the ED: A New Multinational Model from PERN – PEMBlog
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a high-volume driver of ED visits, and yet, risk stratification tools tailored to well-resourced emergency departments are limited. A new study from the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN) aimed to change that. Published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, this prospective cohort study of over 2200 children across 73
Advanced Imaging of Children in the ED: Ultrasound, CT, and MRI – PEMBlog
In this episode of PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast, Brad Sobolewski discusses advanced imaging in pediatric emergency care with Dr. Jennifer Marin (jennifer.marin@chp.edu) from UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. They explore the evidence behind ultrasound, CT, and MRI, strategies to reduce low-value imaging, and the role of shared decision-making in selecting
Building POCUS Expertise: How PEM is Shaping Training and Quality Standards (An AAP SOEM Virtual Education Session) – PEMBlog
This session was co-hosted by the AAP SOEM Education Subcommittee and the Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Special Interest Group and was originally held on Zoom on Monday, May 12, 2025. This interactive session explored the landscape of pediatric POCUS through the lens of education, curriculum development, and sustaining quality. Our expert presenters shared practical
Parvo Podcast! Erythema Infectiosum, Fifth Disease, and more! – PEMBlog
In this episode, we tackle the clinical mischief of Parvovirus B19, a common viral infection with a surprisingly wide range of manifestations—from the classic “slapped cheek” rash of erythema infectiosum to aplastic crises in children with hemolytic anemias and fetal hydrops in pregnant contacts. We’ll break down the virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and complications
Medical Music Mondays: Rap Battle! Ibuprofen versus Acetaminophen – PEMBlog
I've you've been keeping track (and I know you haven't) this is the 52nd straight week I've posted a "Medical Music Mondays" - this was always the plan of course. As AI matures - and I keep writing fun educational songs I'll post more - just not on a weekly basis. I'll end this run
Promoting Compassionate Emergency Care for Children with Autism – PEMBlog
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is common—affecting approximately 1 in 68 children—and increasingly recognized in pediatric emergency departments (EDs). While we pride ourselves on providing high-quality care for all children, we must acknowledge that the noisy, fast-paced, and unpredictable environment of the ED can be especially distressing for autistic patients. For many children with
Medical Music Mondays: Numb the Edge – PEMBlog
Don't forget to use lidocaine when performing painful procedure sin children - even if the child is going to be sedated. Also nu-metal wasn't that bad... was it? Lyrics We know anesthetics will numb your pain Lacerations abscess all the same Injection or gel applied in advance Whether you suture or incision and lance A field block to cover the whole
Medical Music Mondays: The Antidote Song – PEMBlog
There are some antidotes - though not many - that we can give for common ingestions. If only there were a children's song that would stick in our brains to help us remember them. if only... Lyrics You got NAC for acetaminophen For opioids, naloxone — just squirt it in! Toxic alcohols, like methanol and ethylene glycol Treat ’em with
Medical Music Mondays: Myc Check (Walking Pneumonia) – PEMBlog
Walking pneumonia is the familiar name for a lung infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It's kinda hard to diagnose. But if you're right a good 'ole Z-Pack will work. Lyrics Myc check one two walking pneumonia infects you Mycoplasma on the rise infections in toddlers that's a surprise coughing and body aches symptoms subtle chest X-Ray hedge read no rebuttal? treat with Azithro Think of it when symptoms
Podcast Episode: The Unvaccinated Child with Fever – PEMBlog
This episode of PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast focuses on the approach to unvaccinated or undervaccinated children aged 3–36 months presenting to the ED with fever. Host Brad Sobolewski reviews differences in immune response, risk for serious and invasive bacterial infections, and outlines evaluation strategies including labs, imaging, and empiric antibiotics. He highlights
Medical Music Mondays: Target Sign – PEMBlog
The target sign is the pathognomonic thing seen on ultrasound in diagnosing intussusception. Also, air contrast enemas basically involve using a medical grade bike pump to reduce the stuck intestines... which is cool. Lyrics telescoping further than I ever thought we'd go intermittent painful crying episodes ileum and colon currant jelly poop intestine slowly dying turning into goop Intussusception ultrasound target sign air contrast enema after treatment you'll
Medical Music Mondays: Dex, Dex, Dex, Go! – PEMBlog
Does it take a catchy post-grunge alt rock song to remind you that all patient with croup should get a dose of dexamethasone before disposition? Does it? No? OK, well, um, the evidence is great that dex reduces the rate of return visits to Emergency Departments and Doctor's offices. So there's that. Lyrics Dex! Dex! Dex! Go! Dex!
Medical Music Mondays: 3 LPs and 1 DJ – PEMBlog
There are several things you can do to increase your likelihood of success when performing a lumbar puncture in children. Local anesthesia! Early stylet removal! Needle bevel to the hips! Lyrics Three LPs and one DJ Spinal tap procedure learn the right way Yo, roll the kid side lying tight Or upright holder if that seems right! Early sty let removal, that’s
Medical Music Mondays: Measles on the Dance Floor – PEMBlog
Measles is dancing yet again and I think we all know why. With an attack rate of 90%+ if you are not vaccinated you are at risk. Lyrics Fever’s high, eyes are red, runny nose, stuck in bed. inside cheeks, tiny spots — Koplik's calling all the shots. Rash spreads fast, head to toe—measles, no, don’t say it's so! Too
The Mycoplasma Comeback: Why This Atypical Pneumonia is Back – A PEMCurrents Podcast – PEMBlog
In this episode we dive into the resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae—an atypical bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia that’s making waves in pediatric emergency medicine. We’ll cover its clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnostic approach, and management, including why standard beta-lactam antibiotics won’t work. Plus, we’ll discuss whether M. pneumoniae even needs to be treated in the first place!
Medical Music Mondays: MRSA Melody – PEMBlog
MRSA is the main cause of cutaneous abscesses. You treat them with incision and drainage. remember the lidocaine field block, and break up those locations with a hemostat. Packing isn't necessary for most abscesses. Lyrics You know that what they say is true An abscess is infecting you MRSA deep within your skin Drain it with an incision Come on baby
Medical Music Mondays: Convulsive Syncope – PEMBlog
At least 40% of the time when someone faints they have some abnormal movements. These aren't seizures! Convulsive syncope is what we call it when someone faints and jerks a bit. Lyrics Sunday morn and her heads all light Stayed up late the previous night Takes a step to the bathroom Staggers and then blacks out It was a fainting spell! Then
Medical Music Mondays: Beneath the Surface – PEMBlog
Cellulitis is like an infection of the icing - if you imagine the skin as a piece of cake that it. Treat with cephalexin - red, hot, swollen, and tender - and sometimes fever and systemic symptoms. I could've wrote a song about erysipelas but it doesn't rhyme with anything. Lyrics Fast spreading and red I hope I'm
Medical Music Mondays: Welcome to the K-Hole – PEMBlog
Ketamine is an amazing drug for procedural sedation in the Emergency Department. Kids also look wild when they're on it - some people call that look the "K-Hole." Imagine a creepy industrial metal song about that... go ahead... I'll wait. Lyrics Welcome to the K hole Now you're deep inside Not responding to stimuli But your eyes are open wide We
Medical Music Mondays: Back in a SCFE – PEMBlog
Maybe this is true for you too, but I always remembered what the X-Ray findings for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis are by imagine a scoop of ice cream falling off a cone. Just search for an image online. You'll see what I mean. Also this needs Orthopedic intervention within 24 hours. Lyrics The ice cream fell off
Medical Music Mondays: Slappin’ Bee Melody – PEMBlog
Slapped cheek rash? It's Parvovirus B19 causing erythema infectiosum, aka fifth disease. the characteristic rash shows up after the fever, malaise, aches and GI symptoms. Also, remember it can cause fetal anemia, non-immune fetal hydrops and fetal death if a pregnant person is infected. Also bees don't carry it. Lyrics Erythema infectiosum Fever, aches, malaise it’s true Initial constitutional
Navigating the Quademic: Clinical Differentiation of Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and Norovirus in Pediatric Emergency Care – PEMBlog
The concurrent circulation of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and norovirus during peak viral seasons presents a diagnostic challenge in pediatric emergency settings. Differentiating these pathogens based on clinical presentation is crucial for targeted management, minimizing unnecessary diagnostic tests, and optimizing healthcare resources. This article delineates the salient clinical features, associated complications,
Medical Music Mondays: Migraine Cocktail – PEMBlog
Migraines are terrible. In the Emergency Department the "Migraine Cocktail" successfully treats 90+ percent of patients. Prochlorperazine and Toradol to the rescue! Also, it's hard to make an AI Radiohead inspired song. Lyrics throbbing headache on one side floating zig zags eye to eye lights and sounds irritate Nausea, triptan? is it too late headache worsens treatment time Prochlorperazine plus toradol and you'll be fine sip
A Podcast on Inhalant Misuse: From Glue to Galaxy Gas – PEMBlog
In this episode of PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast, we explore the complex and often underrecognized issue of inhalant misuse. From the early days of glue sniffing to the recent rise of nitrous oxide misuse, fueled by brands like Galaxy Gas and viral trends on TikTok and Instagram, inhalant misuse has evolved
In case you missed it: A podcast on norovirus – PEMBlog
Here in early 2025 we are seeing a norovirus outbreak in the United States. That's a lot of vomiting and diarrhea. I wanted to share my podcast episode on norovirus that is only 7 minutes and 13 seconds long! If you listen at 1.5x speed - I know there are those of you
Medical Music Mondays: So Appy to See You – PEMBlog
Appendicitis! Rock Opera! McBurney's point! Epic! Lyrics So Appy to see you Said the Surgeon to the doc Take out that appendix while I'm on the clock Pain was vague then moved last night In the quadrant lower right Vomit and some hopping pain A fever now, can you explain? McBurney's point and rebound Next step is an ultrasound Call the surgeon, call them quick Appendicitis
Medical Music Mondays: STI Guy – PEMBlog
Sexually transmitted infections are extremely popular. This is a bad thing. We should test for them in patients with and without symptoms and have a treatment plan as well. Also ska is fine. Not great. Fine... Lyrics Drippy, drip, and painful pee Are you thinking STD? Chlamydia and GC Trichomonas certainly Don’t forget syphilis the great pretender Remember this! Please, please test for HIV And
Medical Music Mondays: Anaphylax Attack – PEMBlog
Guess who's back? Back again. Epi Pen. Jab a friend. Give that EpiPen even if you think it might possibly be anaphylaxis! Lyrics His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, He's allergic, it's anaphylaxis already. He's chokin', his throat's closin', hives all over, IgE mediated, peanut exposure Mucosa swollen, he's gaspin' for breath, Heart poundin' like a drum, he's scared
Medical Music Mondays: We’re Here for You This Christmas – PEMBlog
The Emergency Department never closes - not even on Christmas Day. This song reminds us all that the ED is always open, and that we are there for our patients during the holidays. But we still miss our families... Lyrics When I’ve got to work on Christmas I’ll tell you what I’ll do I will treat all sorts of
Medical Music Mondays: Sorry About the Wait (Urgent Care) – PEMBlog
Urgent Cares are awesome places to receive effective efficient care. they can also be busy. Maybe a female power-pop-punk-alternative band can help celebrate the achievements of our Urgent Care clinicians. Lyrics We just told you that it’s just a virus Even though diagnosis did not inspire us It doesn’t mean that your child’s not ill Or the diagnosis needed no
Medical Music Mondays: Whoop! 100 Days – PEMBlog
Pertussis AKA whooping cough is on the rise due to declining vaccination rates. The initial catarrhal phase has mild symptoms but is super contagious. Then you cough like forever. Lyrics cough cough cough hack Whoop! uh huh uh huh uh huh cough cough cough hack Whoop! uh huh uh huh uh huh cough cough cough hack Pertussis made a comeback rapid spread, why
Whoop! There It Is: A Pertinent Pediatric Pertussis Podcast – PEMBlog
In this episode of PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast, we explore pertussis, also known as whooping cough - a disease that remains a public health challenge despite widespread vaccination efforts. We will review the clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, management protocols, infection control practices, and vaccination updates. This episode also covers what healthcare
Medical Music Mondays: Constipation Nation – PEMBlog
The Rome IV criteria are how you diagnose constipation. Also X-Rays don't help. And "The Red Hot Chili Poopers" would be a great name for a tribute band. Lyrics Can't poop, no stool in about three weeks Walk slow cause now I think my butt leaks I strain and try but I can't go - no My bowel transit rate
Medical Music Mondays: Hip Pain Blues – PEMBlog
The Kocher criteria can help you rule out a septic hip. Transient Synovitis is a much better diagnosis. It used to be called Toxic Synovitis, but that name was too scary so it got changed. Lyrics In a kid with hip pain I’ve got to explain The Kocher criteria And using your brain Cannot bear weight A fever complaint White count 12K ESR 40
A fabulous virtual education session on delivering and receiving feedback from the AAP Section on Emergency Medicine – PEMBlog
I am excited to share the recording of the AAP Section on Emergency Medicine Fall Virtual Education Session, originally held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 focused on delivering timely and actionable feedback, along with strategies to develop and implement sustainable feedback programs. PEM educators shared their experiences and provided practical strategies