The UMC Emergency Medicine Podcast

CRY BABY

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:01:56 -0600

A crying baby isn’t always just a fussy baby. In this episode, we discuss the differential diagnosis of the inconsolable infant—from colic and reflux to SVT, intussusception, testicular torsion, and non-accidental trauma—and share the “CRY BABY” mnemonic to help recognize important red flags.

Don’t Wait for the BP: Pediatric Sepsis

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:31:16 -0600

How do we recognize pediatric sepsis before hypotension sets in? In this episode, we walk through a challenging case of septic shock and discuss the latest updates in pediatric sepsis care, including the Phoenix criteria and the 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. We explore early recognition, fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, lactate, vasopressors, and the role of POCUS in the critically ill child.

POCUS in Cardiac Arrest: What Does It Really Tell Us?

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:46:56 -0600

Join us as we explore the evolving role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) during cardiac arrest. We discuss the latest evidence on identifying reversible causes, distinguishing pseudo-PEA from true PEA, the prognostic value of cardiac activity, and the emerging role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in modern resuscitation.

Soft Tissue Infections in Infants

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:21:57 -0600

Omphalitis is a rare but serious neonatal infection that can lead to sepsis and requires prompt recognition and IV antibiotics.
In well-appearing, afebrile infants with omphalitis or mastitis, the risk of meningitis is low, so lumbar puncture may be individualized rather than routinely performed.
Febrile infants with soft tissue infections should still be managed according to AAP febrile infant guidelines, including consideration of full sepsis evaluation and LP based on age and risk factors.
Ultrasound is useful for identifying abscesses and underlying structural abnormalities such as urachal anomalies.

Bronchiolitis

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:27:14 -0600

Bronchiolitis is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and routine labs and imaging have a limited role in most cases.

The mainstays of management supported by the AAP are supportive care—including suctioning, hydration, and supplemental oxygen only when there is hypoxemia.

We should be clear about what not to use: systemic corticosteroids, inhaled epinephrine, and albuterol are not recommended.

If oxygen saturation is 90% or higher, supplemental oxygen is generally not needed.

And in children with severe respiratory distress, starting or escalation to high-flow nasal cannula is appropriate.

1.Assessment of severity of bronchiolitis based on the RR (adopted from CHOP)

Age

Mild

Moderate

Severe

<3 months

30-60

61-80

>80

3-12 months

25-50

51-70

>70

12-24 months

20-40

41-60

>60

Croup

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:24:42 -0600

Episode Summary: Croup Management

Management of croup depends on the severity of illness.
Dexamethasone is recommended for all severities.
Dose: 0.15–0.6 mg/kg PO (maximum 16 mg).
Nebulized epinephrine is indicated for moderate to severe croup.
- Commercial racemic epinephrine: 0.5 mL of 2.25% solution.
If racemic epinephrine is unavailable, nebulized L-epinephrine (1 mg/mL) can be prepared:
- 0.5 mL/kg per dose, diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride to a total volume of 4–5 mL.
- Do not exceed 5 mL total volume.
In severe cases, consider IM epinephrine:
- 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 mL/kg of the 1 mg/mL concentration)
- Maximum single dose: 0.3 mg
Severity classification can be guided by a scoring system.
The most commonly used tool is the Westley croup score: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/calculator-westley-croup-severity-score-appropriate-for-use-in-children-6-years-of-age