Pediatrics in Practice

In the adult population, COVID-19 infections appear to affect the heart at a higher rate than other viruses, while in the pediatric population, the virus can cause multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) involving the heart. Due to the lack of evidence for cardiac injury from COVID-19 infections in the pediatric population and the low number of pediatric cases, recommendations are made from expert opinion from the sports medicine, infectious disease, and cardiology departments and are subject to change. Algorithm for return to play/activity after COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients.

Pediatrics in Practice: Ann Modrcin, MD, EMBA, discusses the pediatric transition to adult care and best practices to achieve it. She also discusses values and pain points for families, and how providers can provide support through the transition.

Struggling with an abnormal value on a screening complete blood count (CBC)? Frustrated that a toddler refuses to take oral iron? Wondering what to do when the 12 month screening hemoglobin comes back a little low? This podcast is for you! We will discuss common hematologic dilemmas in pediatric primary care and how to address them. From the dreaded hemoglobin Barts, to evaluation and management of iron deficiency anemia, and quick review of all those complete blood count indices, this podcast aims to make the CBC fun again!

Anna Esparham, MD, Director of the Headache Treatment Center at Children's Mercy, discusses primary versus secondary headaches, causes of migraines/headaches, treatment approaches, and differences between prevention and abortive therapies.

Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities in the United States, affecting approximately 1 in 54 births. For the safety of emergency medical providers and patients with developmental disabilities, it is important to understand what Autism is and how to care for pediatric patients diagnosed with it. In this segment, Children’s Mercy specialists will discuss common misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as share insight from a memorable EMS encounter involving a child with Autism.

Amanda Deacy PhD discusses comfort promise. She shares the concept of Comfort Promise and a quality improvement (QI) project she's leading in GI to assess gaps in documentation of the pain prevention bundle in order to better measure its uptake and success rate.

While approximately 10% of US adults and children claim a penicillin allergy, only 1/20 with a reported allergy are truly allergic. Additionally, 80% of patients with IgE mediated penicillin allergy lose sensitivity after 10 years.

It is important to clarify and de-label patients to ensure they receive standard of care, avoid other adverse drug reactions and have a lowered risk of clinical failure. This practice also results in cost savings.

Amol Purandare, MD explains the de-labeling process in place at Children's Mercy and how to gain insight into what to prescribe to a patient with a penicillin allergy.

Dr. Shayla Sullivant shares warning signs of anxiety and depression in teens, how to talk to your teen about their feelings, and when you should seek professional help.

The most common reasons that children are seen by pediatric gastroenterologists relate to their bellyaches, bowels, and barfs. A simple approach to these disorders can guide general practitioners to help families find relief from these distressing symptoms.Dr. John Rosen explains when you might want to take your child to see a pediatric gastroenterologist, what to expect at an appointment, and treatments to common GI issues.

Sports related injuries are on the rise with increasing child and adolescent participation. Many training programs do not cover how to evaluate and treat these patients in the subacute setting.

Listen as Donna Pacicca, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist with the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, discusses evidence-based best practices for pediatric patients with sports related musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Pacicca will discuss how to take a good history for sports-related injuries, key parts of the physical examination, how to best use imaging, and basics of treatment for upper and lower extremity injuries.