PEMBlog – A Pediatric Emergency Medicine education destination

The Mycoplasma Comeback: Why This Atypical Pneumonia is Back – A PEMCurrents Podcast

In this podcast 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!

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-03-03T14:44:09-05:00March 4th, 2025|Infectious Diseases, Podcasts|

Medical Music Mondays: MRSA Melody

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-03-03T12:06:50-05:00March 3rd, 2025|Infectious Diseases, Music, Procedures|

Medical Music Mondays: Convulsive Syncope

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-02-24T19:13:15-05:00February 24th, 2025|Cardiology, Music, Neurology|

Medical Music Mondays: Beneath the Surface

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-02-14T12:53:46-05:00February 17th, 2025|Infectious Diseases, Music|

Medical Music Mondays: Welcome to the K-Hole

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-02-11T19:10:55-05:00February 10th, 2025|Music, Procedures, Sedation|

Medical Music Mondays: Back in a SCFE

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-01-31T09:07:55-05:00February 3rd, 2025|Music, Orthopedics|

Medical Music Mondays: Slappin’ Bee Melody

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-01-22T14:40:56-05:00January 27th, 2025|Infectious Diseases, Music|

Navigating the Quademic: Clinical Differentiation of Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and Norovirus in Pediatric Emergency Care

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-01-21T13:04:26-05:00January 21st, 2025|Bronchiolitis, Coronavirus, Infectious Diseases|

Medical Music Mondays: Migraine Cocktail

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.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-01-20T15:32:25-05:00January 20th, 2025|Fast Facts, Music, Neurology|

A Podcast on Inhalant Misuse: From Glue to Galaxy Gas

In this episode of PEM Currents, we’re sniffing out the facts on inhalant misuse. From glue to “galaxy gas,” nitrous oxide is leaving kids in a huff. We’ll explore its rise on social media, clinical signs, and strategies to clear the air in pediatric care.

By Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd|2025-01-13T15:21:17-05:00January 16th, 2025|Uncategorized|