Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine
Better Care for Children in Pain

This month’s case-based question, authored by Blossom Dharmaraj and Deepa Kattail, spotlights methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal condition that has resurfaced in the headlines following a pediatric dental death. The case explores how nitrous oxide, local anesthetics (such as benzocaine and prilocaine), and other conditions can induce dangerously high levels of methemoglobin in children, especially in dental procedures.

Learn the clinical red flags, diagnostic pitfalls, and treatment strategies. A recent multi-center study further underscores the importance of recognizing this condition in pediatric patients: Sinha N, Lichak B, Thomas NJ, Krawiec C. A Multi-Center Retrospective Database Evaluation of Pediatric Subjects Diagnosed With Methemoglobinemia. Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics. 2024;18. https://doi.org/10.1177/11795565241271678

For a quick clinical refresher, visit the OpenAnesthesia One-Pager on Methemoglobinemia, our SPPM Visual Pearl, and don’t forget to visit the SPPM Question of the Month to test your knowledge.

SPPM Infographic on Methemoglobinemia by Carole Lin MD

 

Do you have an idea for a Workshop, Round Table, or Problem-Based Learning Discussion (PBLD) that would benefit the Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine membership? If so, please see the requirements and submission information below for the SPPM 13th Annual Meeting.  CLICK HERE for details.

Deadline: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Are you passionate about advancing pediatric pain medicine education? Would you like to help shape the content of SPPM’s national meeting while deepening your involvement with the Society? Do you aspire to Chair a meeting

The SPPM Education Committee invites applications for Program Shadow to support the planning of the SPPM Annual Meeting.

The Program Shadow works closely with the Meeting Program Chair, Co-Chair, and Education Committee Chair, to develop outstanding educational content and gain valuable insight into national meeting planning.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Able to participate in Zoom planning meetings and maintain regular email communication with the planning team.
• A current SPPM member in good standing (trainee members are not eligible).
• Have demonstrated prior involvement in SPPM activities, such as – Speaker/Moderator, Workshop faculty, Round Table or PBLD moderator, Committee or Special Interest Group (SIG) membership
• Receive approval from your department leadership to participate (due to time commitments involved).

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How to Apply

Submit the following materials to Jenny Patterson at [email protected] by Tuesday, May 20, 2025:

• A one-page statement describing your interest in the Program Shadow role and relevant experience or service within SPPM (or other organizations)
• Your current CV

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Additional Notes

• If not selected this cycle, your materials may be retained for future consideration.
• Please share this opportunity with colleagues who might be interested in contributing to SPPM’s mission.

For questions, contact Kim Battle at [email protected].

We want to make you aware of a national effort to better understand the full scope of chronic pain—across the lifespan, from childhood through young adulthood and beyond.

As a pediatric provider, you witness the daily realities of pain in children and adolescents. Your voice is vital in ensuring that the needs of young people are not overlooked in national conversations around pain care.

The U.S. Pain Foundation recently launched the Pain Experience 2025 Survey, aimed at capturing real-world insights from both patients and health care professionals. The provider track takes just 5 minutes to complete and is entirely anonymous and confidential.

By participating, you’ll help us identify gaps in care, advocate for age-appropriate treatment, and ensure that transitions from pediatric to adult care are informed by those on the front lines.

Please take the survey here and share it with your colleagues—your perspective matters more than ever. Together, we can strengthen the voice of pediatric pain providers and improve outcomes for all young people living with pain.

Thank you for your anticipated help and input.

Casey Cashman
Director of Pediatric Pain Warrior
U.S. Pain Foundation