Medical Music Mondays: The Antidote Song
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...
Medical Music Mondays: Myc Check (Walking Pneumonia)
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.
Podcast Episode: The Unvaccinated Child with Fever
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 data showing increased interventions in this population and calls for local guideline development. The episode emphasizes thoughtful, individualized care in the context of rising vaccine hesitancy and declining immunization rates.
Medical Music Mondays: Target Sign
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.
Medical Music Mondays: Dex, Dex, Dex, Go!
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.
Medical Music Mondays: 3 LPs and 1 DJ
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!
Medical Music Mondays: Measles on the Dance Floor
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.
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!
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.
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.