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

Dang-Khoa Nguyen1, Yasmine Ghattas1, Timothy M Maul1,2,3

  • 1University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA.

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|January 18, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Middle ear effusion rates during bilateral myringotomy tube placement remained lower in pandemic years, even after public health measures relaxed. This suggests persistent pandemic impacts on children's ear health.

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.
Keywords:
COVID-19Level 3 prevalence study1middle ear effusionmyringotomyotitis media effusion

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