Parvovirus B19 is back on your differential. Best known for causing fifth disease, this common pediatric virus can also trigger aplastic crises, fetal complications, and chronic anemia in immunocompromised patients. In this episode of PEM Currents, we explore its clinical spectrum, diagnostic nuances, and management strategies—plus a reminder on when kids are (and aren’t) contagious.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
