Lessons Learnt from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pediatric Otolaryngology

Abstract

Purpose of Review The current COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the international paediatric otolaryngology community: we review its impact in clinical, resource, and human settings. Recent Findings The SARS-CoV-2 virus, while generally mild in paediatric populations, has caused an increased incidence in severe croup, invasive fungal sinus disease, and multi system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). The incidence of other common otolaryngology presentations such as otitis media and tonsillitis has decreased due to quarantine measures. The pandemic has also changed the way in which we work: guidelines for aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) have changed, digital technology and videoconferencing platforms have flourished, and new pathways of providing healthcare have been developed to minimise footfall and avoid overcrowded waiting rooms. Finally, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers and patients cannot be understated, although the mental and physical toll is considerable. Summary There has been a tectonic shift in paediatric otolaryngology and healthcare globally. Continued adaptability and resilience are required to face these challenges in the coming months. With lessons learnt from managing SARS-CoV-2, we are hopefully well equipped to combat any future pandemics.

The association of COVID-19 pandemic with the increase of sinogenic and otogenic intracranial infections in children: a 10-year retrospective comparative single-center study

“…Poor exposure to S. pneumoniae and iGAS due to NPI implementation may have led to a significant immunity debt in relevant population groups, now favoring infection development. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, shows in general a mild course in pediatric populations, but an increased incidence of severe croup, invasive fungal sinus disease, and multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) has been noticed in association with the COVID-19 pandemic [ 7 , 22 ].…”

Antibiotics Prescriptions Pattern among Patients Visiting Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study from Qatar

“…Our study also documented the decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for communicable diseases after the implementation of social distancing and lockdown legislations. Other studies reported a decline in otolaryngeal cases, seasonal influenza, and other infectious diseases during the COVID-19 lockdown in many countries [ 8 , 9 ]. Additionally, the rates of antibiotic prescriptions for UTIs were also decreased although UTIs are non-airborne infections.…”

“…It has been reported that the implementation of lockdown measures accompanied by infection prevention measures such as masking and social distancing led to a reduction in seasonal influenza transmission [ 8 ]. Cases of meningitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media among children have also decreased [ 9 ]. Many of these infections usually require antibiotic treatment.…”

Impatto della pandemia COVID-19 sull’otorinolaringoiatria pediatrica

“…As reported by this study, although the reduction of outpatients and surgical procedures was significant and the pathway toward pre-pandemic normality is still long, data from a long-term perspective are more encouraging than those published at the beginning of 2020 1,2 . According to the several lessons learnt from the challenging context of COVID-19, the building of a better post-pandemic healthcare system should be based on new strategies and resources such as telehealth consultations, videoconferencing platforms, unlimited availability of personal protective equipment, and new solutions for aerosol generating procedures 23 . This management may also be fruitful to create a more child-centred health-care system, in which paediatric otolaryngologists work and improve the quality and timing of care of paediatric patients.…”