Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition resulting from skeletal muscle breakdown, leading to the release of intracellular contents-most notably myoglobin-into the bloodstream. The accumulation of myoglobin can result in acute kidney injury and electrolyte disturbances. Common etiologies include trauma, strenuous physical activity, infections, genetic predisposition, and certain medications. Clinically, patients may present with muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, dark-colored urine, and decreased urine output. Creatine kinase, an enzyme predominantly located in skeletal muscle, serves as a highly sensitive marker for muscle injury and is a key diagnostic indicator of rhabdomyolysis.
Introduction: Routine adolescent vaccination rates fluctuate widely and at times fall below public health goals. This study aimed to assess parent perceptions and behaviors around vaccines and to explore potential effects of the pandemic on these parental vaccination decisions.
Method: Between February and March 2022, 64 caregivers of adolescents participated in six text-based online focus groups in which their knowledge and perception regarding routine vaccines were explored.
Results: Participants were predominantly female (84%), White (72%), and college-educated (77%). Their adolescents receiving all recommended vaccines was very important (61%) or important (34%). While caregivers appeared generally supportive of vaccines, knowledge and perception regarding these vaccines varied widely. Postpandemic, health care provider recommendations and vaccine requirements appeared to be a continued driver for obtaining vaccines.
Discussion: Health care providers should continue to apply evidence-based strategies to promote vaccine uptake while addressing misinformation and disinformation.
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in pediatric and adolescent patients. Typical symptoms include nonspecific localized bone pain often occurring during the adolescent growth spurt. The timing and presentation of symptoms frequently lead primary care providers to associate them with benign conditions such as growing pains or sports-related injuries. As a result, diagnosis is frequently delayed. This case study examines a 14-year-old female whose persistent leg pain was initially misdiagnosed in a primary care setting, resulting in a delayed diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Despite normal initial imaging and examination, the patient later presented with worsening symptoms and neurological deficits, prompting advanced imaging and biopsy that confirmed malignancy. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in primary care and the need for increased clinical awareness, standardized guidelines, and structured follow-up in pediatric patients presenting with unexplained, unilateral bone pain.

