Host Holly Wayment interviews pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Dina Sutter chikungunya outbreak in China, flea‑borne typhus in South Texas, and a rise in hand‑foot‑and‑mouth cases.

The episode covers transmission, clinical signs, prevention tips (mosquito control, repellents, pet flea prevention), travel vaccine guidance, and practical advice for pediatric practitioners on diagnosis and management.

Link for MOC Credit Coming soon for this grand rounds talk episode!

In this episode, Rachel Vandermeer, MD, reviews pain assessment and treatment for children with medical fragility, focusing on altered pain pathways, common pain sources, and the need for multimodal, individualized plans.

Practical recommendations include careful opioid use, gabapentinoids, clonidine for dysautonomia, prevention strategies around procedures, bowel regimens, and close outpatient follow-up to manage chronic neuro-agitation safely.

Link for CME Credit:

https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100244

Pediatrics Now, hosted by Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics, brings you this grand rounds talk by:

Melissa Delbello, MD, MS is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Dr. Stanley and Mickey Kaplan Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (UCCOM).

OVERVIEW:

Bipolar Disorder in Youth: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Dellbello delves into the complex topic of bipolar disorder in children. The presentation covers critical aspects of the disorder, including diagnostic criteria, neurobiological insights, and treatment strategies. Listeners will gain an understanding of the phenomenology of bipolar disorder, how to differentiate between manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, and the significance of early intervention.

The episode also explores the impact of bipolar disorder on children, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and the challenges posed by the DSM-5 criteria. Discussion highlights include the role of family history, the high rates of comorbidity with ADHD, and the specific challenges in treating pediatric patients.

Treatment options are outlined, with a focus on FDA-approved medications for different phases of bipolar disorder and non-pharmacological interventions. The conversation extends to the adverse effects of antipsychotics and the use of metformin for weight management in children on medication.

Throughout the episode, the critical importance of family involvement and therapy is emphasized, providing a holistic view of managing this complex condition in young patients.