jenny, Author at Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine

Giving Tuesday

Friends,

In the words of our motto, SPPM as an organization is dedicated to “Better Care of Children in Pain.” The work we do to advance pediatric pain management makes a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. It matters.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day on which individuals and entities come together in charitable giving. As you plan your philanthropy, please consider donating to the SPPM Education and Research Fund. SPPM strives to make effective evidence-based pediatric pain management a priority and a reality. This is an ongoing effort, all the more important in this current time of polarization and misinformation. Our patients and their families need us.

Any contribution makes a difference, and promotes the important work of SPPM.

Click HERE to donate.

Many thanks!

Happy Holidays.

Stephen Hays, MS, MD, FAAP
SPPM President

Question of the Month – December 2025

A 10-year-old female, weighing 35 kg and six months post–liver transplantation, is referred to the pain clinic for evaluation of abdominal wall pain accompanied by bilateral leg pain following a complicated postoperative course. She is receiving tacrolimus and reports burning and deep aching pain that worsens with activity. Her average pain score is 6–7/10, sleep is disrupted, and she uses intermittent oxycodone at home with partial relief. Physical examination revealed focal tenderness near the transplant incision, with no redness, swelling, or other physical abnormalities. The patient also reported poor sleep quality, while laboratory tests showed normal allograft function.

A. Increase the dose of oxycodone and arrange for a short opioid taper after pain control is achieved.

B. Evaluate for tacrolimus-associated pain syndrome (CIPS) and discuss immunosuppressant adjustment with the transplant team.

C. Start gabapentin and schedule a diagnostic nerve block of the abdominal wall.

D. Recommend immediate revision surgery to explore potential surgical complications.

Correct! Wrong!

Question of the Month - December 2025

Stanford Pediatric Pain Team Featured in the Pediatric Pain Letter

The Pediatric Pain Letter is published three times a year (February, June, and October) and serves as an important platform for advancing pediatric pain research and practice.

The October 2025 issue of the Pediatric Pain Letter (Vol. 27, No. 3) features members of the Stanford pediatric pain team. This open-access publication provides peer-reviewed commentaries on research and innovations in pediatric pain management. Highlights of this issue include:

“Prehab” — Protocol for a structured educational program delivered prior to intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment
Family Engagement with a Pediatric Chronic Pain Service

Read the full issue here: https://pediatric-pain-letter.org/

Question of the Month – November 2025

A 15-year-old, 50 kg female with a right upper lobe mass presents for lobectomy via open thoracotomy. She has a history of anxiety and depression. As part of a multimodal analgesic regimen, her anesthesiologist plans to perform an ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block. Which of the following complications is most likely?

A. Epidural hematoma

B. Intravascular injection of local anesthetic

C. Failed block

Correct! Wrong!

Question of the Month - November 2025

Question of the Month – October 2025

A 10-year-old girl (33 kg) undergoes left upper-arm fracture fixation under general endotracheal anesthesia. Sixty minutes after placement of a supraclavicular block, she develops acute hypotension (BP 65/40 mm Hg), tachycardia (HR 145 bpm), frequent Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and desaturation (SpO₂ 82%). At this time, reduced movement of the left hemithorax is visible. What is the most critical immediate next step?

A. Auscultate bilateral lung fields

B. Administer 20% intralipid IV bolus (1.5 mL/kg)

C. Start IV epinephrine (1 μg/kg)

D. Give a 500 mL bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution

Correct! Wrong!

Question of the Month - October 2025

Member Menu

Giving Tuesday

Question of the Month – December 2025

Stanford Pediatric Pain Team Featured in the Pediatric Pain Letter

Question of the Month – November 2025

Question of the Month – October 2025

Upcoming Meeting Information