
PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast
PEM Currents is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine focused podcast hosted by Brad Sobolewski
Latest episodes

Jul 10, 2024 • 9min
Syphilis
Syphilis has gone by many nicknames over the years including “The Great Pretender” and “The Great Imitator.” Emily Labudde, MD, a Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellow at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and recent pediatric residency graduate from Cincinnati Children’s discusses the various manifestations of this sexually transmitted infection, and how we can’t miss this very treatable, […]

Jun 5, 2024 • 0sec
Cervical Spine Injuries
Cervical Spine Injuries are fortunately rare in children. this episode is all about learning when to suspect them, how to immobilize the C-spine properly, and which imaging test to choose. It was inspired by a hot-off-the-presses publication from the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) focused on clinical decision rules for cervical spine imaging […]

May 9, 2024 • 27min
Febrile Seizures
Learn about febrile seizures in children, including prevalence and causes. Explore the relationship between fever and seizures, post-vaccination risks, and management strategies. Discover effective communication strategies for families dealing with febrile seizures.

14 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 17min
Metabolic Disorders
Join first-year resident Emily Groopman, with her expertise in genetic diagnosis and rare diseases, as she sheds light on managing children with inborn errors of metabolism in emergency settings. They discuss the genetic foundations of these conditions and the urgency of early recognition. Emily emphasizes the importance of newborn screening and biochemical testing due to non-specific symptoms. The conversation also covers critical management steps, including glucose administration and the role of genetic consultations in ensuring optimal care.

Feb 22, 2024 • 14min
Vitamin K Deficient Bleeding (Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn)
Newborn infants need intramuscular injections of Vitamin K in order to produce critical clotting factors. If they don’t get it they can have potentially life threatening bleeding. PEMBlog @PEMTweets on… sigh “X” (Twitter) My Instagram My Mastodon account @bradsobo References Transcript Note: This transcript was partially completed with the use of the Descript AI Welcome […]

Jan 17, 2024 • 14min
Cellulitis
This episode will help you recognize cellulitis and even differentiate it from erysipelas which is totally a different thing. You’ll also learn about treatment, whether or not a blood culture is necessary, and a whole lot more! PEMBlog @PEMTweets on… sigh “X” (Twitter) My Instagram My Mastodon account @bradsobo References Chen AE, Carroll KC, Diener-West […]

Dec 14, 2023 • 12min
Laryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia, is the most common cause of infant stridor. Early diagnosis is crucial as it can impact a child’s growth and development. Most infants get better on their own, but those with severe symptoms need surgical interventions like supraglottoplasty. Learn all about diagnosis and management of this common problem in this brief podcast episode. PEMBlog […]

Nov 28, 2023 • 7min
Meckel Diverticulum
Meckel diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can present with various clinical manifestations, including rectal bleeding and obstruction. Recognizing the characteristic features and understanding the differential diagnosis is crucial in managing patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. This episode will help you recognize and diagnose this surgical condition that you probably remember […]

Sep 26, 2023 • 22min
Respiratory viral panels
Dive into the world of respiratory viral panels with Dr. Olivia Ostrow and Dr. Kelly Levasseur as they discuss the importance, cost, and overuse of these tests. Learn about Choosing Wisely recommendations and strategies to reduce unnecessary testing in pediatric respiratory illnesses. Discover effective communication with families about viral testing and the impact on antibiotic prescribing and hospitalization rates.

Sep 19, 2023 • 16min
Constipation: Diagnosis, X-Rays, and more
Where else is the poop going to be? Constipation is by and large a clinical diagnosis. This episode reviews how to make the diagnosis, red flags, and why X-Rays don’t necessarily help assess stool burden adequately in most children. This podcast episode is designed to disseminate the important work of Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the […]