
PedsCrit
Welcome to PedsCrit! We are a collaborative educational PICU podcast working with pediatric critical care educators around the world to create high-yield podcast episodes on core PICU topics. Find us at PedsCrit.com, or reach us via email at PedsCritPodcast@gmail.com. We hope you enjoy! No financial conflicts of interest. Each clinical episode is made in coordination with a pediatric intensivist or guest that is a clinical or scholarly leader on the topic being discussed. Podcasts do not receive formal peer review prior to publication but quality and accuracy is closely monitored by the producers throughout the creation process to ensure accuracy and clarity. If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback-you can email us at pedscritpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find us on twitter visit @critpeds and @pedscrit on instagram. Want to support the show?Please rate and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! PedsCrit is a passion project and is not supported by advertisements. Donations are appreciated to support ongoing costs (podcast hosting, audio editing software, website support, etc.). Search @PedsCrit on Venmo, or you can also support us by becoming a patron on Patreon. 100% of funds go to supporting the show. Please remember that all content during this episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used as medical advice. The views expressed during this episode by hosts and our guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of their institutions.Thank you for listening to PedsCrit!-Alice Shanklin & Zac Hodges
Latest episodes

Mar 8, 2023 • 37min
ECMO Essentials with Dr. Karen Fauman & the Cribsiders--Part 2
Dr. Karen Fauman, an associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago and dual boarded pediatric intensivist and palliative care physician, discusses the pathophysiology of oxygen delivery, indications for VV and VA ECMO, interpreting flow and RPM measurements, assessing lung recovery through air bronchograms, and the process of weaning a patient from ECMO with the Cribsiders.

Mar 1, 2023 • 44min
ECMO Essentials with Dr. Karen Fauman & the Cribsiders--Part 1
Dr. Karen Fauman, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and ECMO enthusiast, discusses ECMO essentials with the Cribsiders in this podcast. They cover topics such as the basic pathophysiology of oxygen delivery, indications for VV and VA ECMO, the sequence of the ECMO circuit, and signs that a patient may be ready to be liberated from ECMO.

Feb 20, 2023 • 24min
Mechanical Ventilation in Status Asthmaticus Part 2 with Dr. Mekela Whyte-Nesfield
Dr. Mekela Whyte-Nesfield, a Critical Care attending at Children’s National Hospital, discusses strategies for managing mechanical ventilation in patients with asthma. Topics covered include evaluation and adjustment of plateau pressure and peak pressure settings, benefits and risks of paralyzing intubated asthmatic patients, criteria for considering ECMO, and considerations for mechanical ventilation and extubation in status asthmaticus.

Feb 6, 2023 • 32min
Mechanical Ventilation in Status Asthmaticus Part 1 with Dr. Mekela Whyte-Nesfield
Dr. Mekela Whyte-Nesfield, a Critical Care attending at Children's National Hospital, discusses indications for intubation in asthma patients, acid-base abnormalities, sedation and paralysis considerations, medications and techniques for treatment, and the challenges of manual chest compression in asthmatic patients.

Jan 23, 2023 • 36min
PARDS--Beyond the Basics Part 4 with Dr. Nadir Yehya: Adjunctive Strategies (prone positioning, steroids, paralysis, iNO etc)
Dr. Nadir Yehya, an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, discusses adjunctive strategies for treating ARDS, including corticosteroids, prone positioning, iNO, and surfactant. The podcast explores the benefits of these strategies in improving ventilation and oxygenation, and highlights the importance of weighing risks and potential benefits. Additionally, the use of nitric response, monitoring, and weaning protocol for ARDS patients is discussed, along with the use of surfactant and VV ECMO in ARDS management.

Jan 16, 2023 • 20min
PARDS--Beyond the Basics Part 3 with Dr. Nadir Yehya: Non-conventional Modes of Ventilation
Dr. Nadir Yehya, an expert in pediatric respiratory failure, discusses non-conventional ventilation modes like APRV and oscillation in ARDS patients. The podcast explores the advantages and considerations of these modes, as well as their effectiveness and limitations. It also delves into treatment options for pediatric patients with refractory ERDS, including the use of the oscillator and potential ECMO cannulation.

Jan 9, 2023 • 40min
PARDS--Beyond the Basics Part 2 with Dr. Nadir Yehya: Conventional Mechanical Ventilation
Dr. Nadir Yehya, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pediatrics, discusses selecting initial PEEP and measuring variables for optimal PEEP. The chapter explores different strategies for setting PEEP in pediatric and adult patients. It also discusses the measurement of plateau pressure in pediatric mechanical ventilation and the use of esophageal pressure monitors to titrate ventilation support. Additionally, it explores how sedation levels can affect thoracic pressure in intubated patients.

Jan 2, 2023 • 33min
PARDS--Beyond the Basics Part 1 with Dr. Nadir Yehya: Noninvasive Ventilation
Dr. Nadir Yehya, a pediatric critical care specialist, discusses the use of non-invasive ventilation in capturing kids with developing ARDS early and challenges in designing trials for pediatric ARDS research. The podcast explores the use and effectiveness of high flow nasal cannula in clearing dead space in the respiratory system. It also discusses the relationship between head size and babies' breathing, mechanisms and benefits of high flow ventilation, and situations where high flow may be tried even if intubation is not desired.

Dec 19, 2022 • 33min
Atrioventricular Septal Defects with Dr. Melinda Cory
Dr. Melinda Cory, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, discusses atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs) and their management. Topics covered include the decision to become double-boarded in cardiology and critical care, AVSD classification and terminology, post-operative management for children with trisomy 21 and AVSDs, timing of excavation and barriers to discharge in cardiac ICU patients, and monitoring complications for children with AVSDs.

Dec 5, 2022 • 19min
The Tracheostomy Decision with Dr. Parisa Kaviany and Dr. Maria Arroyo--Part 2
Two expert pulmonologists discuss the intricate decision-making process surrounding tracheostomies in children. They delve into the essential support systems for families transitioning from hospital to home care. Topics include oxygen management, the pivotal role of respiratory therapists, and the necessity of emergency preparedness. They also highlight valuable resources designed to assist families, emphasizing personalized care and effective communication in navigating these challenging circumstances.