Impact of COVID-19 on nationwide pediatric otolaryngology practice: Adenotonsillectomies (TA) and tonsil-related diagnoses trends

Impact of the COVID‐19 era on clinical presentation, management and microbiology in paediatric peritonsillar abscess: A case–control study

“…We recorded similar incidence rates between the three eras and observed decreased incidence during peak disease waves with subsequent catch‐up, as was previously described in the United Kingdom and United States 16 . Consistent with our results, Allen et al described unaffected PTA incidence over a 2‐year pandemic time span in a multicentric big‐data study 10 . We predicted delayed, more severe presentations 17 and microbial alterations similar to other common infectious ENT conditions such as otitis media, and mastoiditis during this era 9,11 .…”

“…16 Consistent with our results, Allen et al described unaffected PTA incidence over a 2-year pandemic time span in a multicentric big-data study. 10 We predicted delayed, more severe presentations 17 and microbial alterations similar to other common infectious ENT conditions such as otitis media, and mastoiditis during this era. 9,11 Surprisingly, clinical features at presentation were not significantly different apart from increased CRP levels.…”

“…[6][7][8] The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to impact the microbiology 9 and clinical course of several paediatric ENT infectious diseases, including otitis media, sinusitis, laryngitis and mastoiditis. [10][11][12] Acute mastoiditis demonstrated reductions in common pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, with a concomitant increase in Pseudomonas cultivation during the COVID era. 13 These changes have been primarily attributed to preventive non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as national lockdowns, social distancing and mask usage, and their downstream effects on respiratory tract infection reduction.…”

“…Prompt treatment is necessary, as PTA may give rise, albeit rarely, to life‐threatening complications secondary to spread along fascial planes to the deep neck and chest 6–8 . The COVID‐19 pandemic has been shown to impact the microbiology 9 and clinical course of several paediatric ENT infectious diseases, including otitis media, sinusitis, laryngitis and mastoiditis 10–12 . Acute mastoiditis demonstrated reductions in common pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, with a concomitant increase in Pseudomonas cultivation during the COVID era 13 .…”

Does social distancing impact pediatric upper airway infections? An observational controlled study and a brief literature review

“… Electronic health records, GP consultation, telephone consultations ≤12 years 1/3/2019–29/2/2020 Vs 1/3/2020–28/2/2021 AOM episodes; OME episodes; Ear discharge Reduction of the AOM, OME and ear discharge episodes Nguyen et al, 2021 [22] US Retrospective ≤18 years 1/3/2019–1/7/2019 vs. 1/3/2020–1/7/2020 Intraoperative effusion in OME during tympanostomy Reduction of intraoperative ear effusion Torretta et al, 2021 [18] Italy Telephone contact Mean age 41.4 ± 14 months 9/3/2020–17/3/2020 Vs 1/2/2019–30/4/2019 AOM episodes; otorrhea episodes; systemic antibiotic treatments Reduction of AOM and otorrhea episodes, and number of antibiotic treatments Allen et al, 2022 [23] US Retrospective database review of ICD-10 codes n.a. 2019 vs. 2020 vs. 2021 AOM episodes Reduction of the OM episodes in 2020 until June 2021 Allen et al, 2022 [25] US Retrospective database review of ICD-10 codes n.a. 2019 vs. 2020 vs. 2021 Tonsils related diagnosis Reduction of Adeno-tonsillectomy procedures.…”