Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of otitis media with effusion in adults and children: a multicenter study

Abstract

Purpose To compare and analyze the incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME), before and during the COVID-19-related pandemic period, to evaluate the effects of the social changes (lockdown, continuous use of facial masks, social distancing, reduction of social activities) in the OME incidence in children and adults. Methods The number of diagnosed OME in e five referral centers, between 1 March 2018 and 1 March 2021, has been reviewed and collected. To estimate the reduction of OME incidence in children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period the OME incidence in three period of time were evaluated and compared: group 1—patients with OME diagnosis achieved between 1/03/2018 and 01/03/2019 (not pandemic period). Group 2—patients with OME diagnosis achieved between 1/03/2019 and 1/03/2020 (not pandemic period). Group 3—patients with OME diagnosis achieved between 1/03/2020 and 1/03/2021 (COVID-19 pandemic period). Results In the non-pandemic periods (group 1 and 2), the incidence of OME in the five referral centers considered was similar, with 482 and 555 diagnosed cases, respectively. In contrast, the OME incidence in the same centers, during the pandemic period (group 3) was clearly reduced with a lower total number of 177 cases of OME estimated. Percentage variation in OME incidence between the first non-pandemic year considered (group 1) and the pandemic period (group 3) was—63, 3%, with an absolute value decrease value of—305 cases. Similarly, comparing the second non-pandemic year (group 2) and the pandemic year (group 3) the percentage variation of OME incidence was—68, 1% with an absolute value of—305 cases decreased. Conclusions Our findings showed a lower incidence of OME during the pandemic period compared with 2 previous non pandemic years. The drastic restrictive anti-contagion measures taken by the Italian government to contain the spread of COVID-19 could have had a positive impact on the lower OME incidence during the last pandemic year.

A Strong Decline in the Incidence of Childhood Otitis Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Netherlands

“…Previous studies in other countries have reported a similar trend in childhood OM incidence during the first COVID-19 peak ( Hatoun et al., 2020 ; Aldè et al., 2021 ; Angoulvant et al., 2021 ; Iannella et al., 2021 ; Torretta et al., 2021 ). Under normal circumstances, OM typically shows a seasonal pattern with a winter peak coinciding with the increase in URTI incidence ( Castagno and Lavinsky, 2002 ).…”

“…CSOM is characterized by chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid mucosa together with a non-intact tympanic membrane and persisting ear discharge ( Verhoeff et al., 2006 ). Several reports from the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic have suggested a decline in doctor consultations for OM in children ( Hatoun et al., 2020 ; Aldè et al., 2021 ; Angoulvant et al., 2021 ; Iannella et al., 2021 ; Kaur et al., 2021 ; Torretta et al., 2021 ; van de Pol et al., 2021 ). The question is whether the infection control measures or the sudden COVID-19 related changes in health care access and delivery are responsible for these changes.…”

Prevalence of respiratory infections during the 2018-2020 period in the paediatric population of primary care centres in Central Catalonia

“…Yamamoto et al (Japan) reported that tonsillitis cases in children under the age of 15 decreased by 29.3% in this period (18). We also found a decrease of 54.01% in the prevalence of acute otitis media, similar to a multi-centre study in Italy, in which Iannella et al (19) concluded that otitis media decreased by 68.1% between March 2020 and March 2021 with respect to the same period of the previous year. In the Netherlands, primary care diagnoses of acute otitis media decreased by 63% between March 2020 and February 2021, compared to the same period the previous year (20).…”

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

“…Similarly, a large multicenter study reported a lower incidence of otitis media with effusion during the pandemic period, in comparison with the two previous non pandemic years [19] . In addition, recent studies demonstrated a decrease in Pediatric Emergency Department attendance during the Italian lockdown, which was particularly relevant when diagnoses as middle ear disease, and non-complicated middle ear infection were considered [20] . A similar decreasing incidence of otitis media with effusion during the lockdown period has also been observed by several authors worldwide in the last years [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , thus supporting the clinical influence of social distancing and a reduced school attendance especially for young children.…”