Effusion Prevalence at Tympanostomy During COVID-19: Follow-Up

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Previous reports indicated an 18% decrease in intraoperative middle ear effusion (MEE) during the initial pandemic year (2020) compared to pre-pandemic levels (2019).
• Following the relaxation of mandatory stay-at-home orders and social distancing, the ongoing impact of the pandemic on MEE requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of intraoperative MEE during bilateral myringotomy tube (BMT) placement in children during the persistent COVID-19 pandemic.
• To compare MEE rates across pre-pandemic, early pandemic, and later pandemic periods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing BMT at a tertiary children's hospital.
• Data collected for three periods: March-June 2019 (pre-COVID), March-June 2020 (Pandemic Year 1), and March-June 2021 (Pandemic Year 2).
• Statistical analysis using chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Main Results:

• A total of 1069 BMTs were analyzed: 551 (pre-COVID), 227 (PY1), and 291 (PY2).
• Intraoperative MEE was significantly lower in PY1 (65%) and PY2 (69%) compared to the pre-COVID period (83%) (P < .001).
• No significant differences in age, sex, or BMI were observed across the groups.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative MEE rates during BMT remained lower in subsequent pandemic years, despite the easing of public health restrictions.
• Factors such as continued masking, reduced daycare attendance, variable social distancing, and altered healthcare access may contribute to the persistent decrease in MEE.