Pediatrics Now: Cases Updates and Discussions for the Busy Pediatric Practitioner

What Causes Autism Part 2: What Does The Science Show?

Link for CME credit coming soon!
Dr. Avinash Boddapati joins Pediatrics Now and builds on the wonderful talk by Dr. Mario Fierro in part one, to explain more about what we know—and don’t—about the causes of autism, highlighting that autism is multifactorial and involves genetics, brain biology, and environmental influences.
He covers early red flags, genetic risk and testing, maternal and prenatal factors, common misconceptions (including vaccines), and promising research directions like gene–environment interactions and epigenetics.
Key takeaways for pediatric clinicians: counsel families without blame, prioritize early identification and intervention, and weigh risks and benefits when discussing exposures during pregnancy.

Autism: What We "Know," A Grand Rounds Talk by Dr. Mario Fierro

Link for CME Credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101120
 
Host Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics bring us a recent grand rounds talk by Dr. Mario Fierro where he reviews how autism is defined under DSM‑5, explains core diagnostic areas (social/communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors), and emphasizes age‑based interpretation and the spectrum of severity.
He covers screening (M‑CHAT), standardized assessments (ADOS, CARS), common comorbidities and risk factors (genetics, prematurity, congenital conditions), and practical considerations for clinicians and families.
He also discusses treatment options—speech/OT, ABA, FDA‑approved medications for symptoms—reviews alternative therapies and controversies (including leucovorin research and vaccine myths), and offers pragmatic advice on when to refer and focus on functional communication.

Lupus Nephritis: Diagnosis, Classification, Treatment, and The Role of The Pediatrician

Drs. Ruby Patel and Rajdeep Pooni present Grand Rounds using a 12-year-old case to illustrate pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and class IV lupus nephritis, covering presentation, biopsy findings, and pathology. The talk explains diagnostic criteria and typical lab features.
They summarize current management including 2024 ACR guidance on induction therapies (steroids, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and biologics), monitoring for complications and medication side effects, vaccination precautions for immunocompromised patients, and the pediatrician’s role in long-term coordination of care.

Project YES: Can Watching a Porcupine Chomp On a Pumpkin Help My Anxious and Stressed-Out Patient?

Link for CME Credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101115
Host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment interviews Jacklynn Ware , MPH, CHES about Project YES, a free anonymous online mental health program that’s back, redesigned and improved for 13–17-year-olds to offer short, teen-focused modules to boost mood, reframe negative thoughts, and provide safety resources. And, yes, that includes an adorable video of a porcupine chomping on a pumpkin.
The episode explains who can benefit, how the program is youth-informed and evidence-based, and how it can be used immediately as a low-pressure, much needed resource.

Seizures in Kids — Practical Diagnosis, Treatments, and When to Refer

Seizures in Kids — Practical Diagnosis, Treatments, and When to Refer
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101013
 
Host Holly Wayment brings us this wonderful grand rounds talk for the general pediatrician by pediatric neurologist Dr. Natasha Varughese, where she reviews childhood epilepsy syndromes (ages ~3–15), covering self-limited epilepsies, focal and generalized epilepsies, and developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Key diagnostic tools include EEG, MRI, and genetic testing; prognosis varies widely by syndrome.
The talk highlights practical management: appropriate antiseizure medications (and which to avoid), indications for ketogenic diet, when to consider surgery or neuromodulation (VNS, RNS), and warning signs for referral to neurology or epilepsy specialists.

Toxicology Pearls

Toxicology Pearls
Link for CME Credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100932
Host Holly Wayment talks to the  Poison Center's Robert S. Miller about common pediatric toxic exposures — acetaminophen, ibuprofen, THC edibles, nicotine pouches (Zyn), and kratom — and offers practical advice for clinicians and parents. Learn why calling the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) helps with case documentation, reassurance, disposition planning, and when to use antidotes like acetylcysteine. Emphasis on prevention (lockboxes, safe storage), recognizing occult acetaminophen ingestions, symptomatic management, and differences between children and adults.

Mosquitoes, Fleas & Outbreak: ID Update with Deena Sutter, M.D.

Link for CME Credit
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100931
Mosquitoes, Fleas & Outbreaks — Pediatric IDUpdates with Dr. Deena Sutter
Host Holly Wayment interviews pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena 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.

Treating Pain in Medically Fragile Children

Link for free credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100930
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.

Bipolar Disorder: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

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.

Navigating Pediatric Concussions with Dr. Mayur Patel

Like for MOC Credit Coming Soon
Welcome to another insightful episode of Grand Rounds, brought to you by the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio and University Health's Women's and Children's Hospital and host Holly Wayment. In today's episode, we delve into pediatric concussions with Dr. Mayur Patel, a seasoned neurologist with a specialty in brain injury medicine.
Dr. Patel shares his expertise on the diagnosis and management of mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children, often synonymous with concussions. He discusses the differentiation between mild, moderate, and severe TBIs, highlighting that children generally recover faster than adults. Dr. Patel emphasizes recognizing symptoms like persistent headaches, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments, as well as the role pre-existing conditions play in recovery duration.
Explore the emerging research on biomarkers for concussions and innovative approaches to treat symptoms, including the importance of sleep hygiene and targeted therapies like amitriptyline. This episode is a must-listen for understanding the complexities of pediatric concussion management in the outpatient setting. Plus, get insights into sports-related concussion and the evolving landscape of concussion assessment.