Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology
03:42

High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology

Published on: May 18, 2022

2.6K

Epidemiological and Clinical Changes in Pediatric Acute Mastoiditis Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: An

Marco Sarno1, Antonia Pascarella1,2, Antonietta De Lucia2

  • 1Chronic Diseases, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, AORN, 80129 Naples, Italy.

Medical Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Hospital admissions for acute mastoiditis (AM) in children significantly increased post-COVID-19, with more complications and longer hospital stays. This highlights the need for enhanced prevention and standardized care for pediatric AM patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a common complication of acute otitis media in children, with potential for serious extracranial and intracranial complications.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a rise in AM cases following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric acute mastoiditis cases before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To analyze changes in patient demographics, clinical presentations, complications, and treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of pediatric patients (0-16 years) with AM admitted between January 2017 and December 2024.
  • Patients stratified into pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 periods for comparative analysis.
  • Analysis of demographic data, clinical features, complications, laboratory findings, and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

  • A threefold increase in hospital admissions for AM was observed in the post-COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19 years.
  • The absolute number of complications, particularly intracranial (IC) complications like thrombosis and empyema, increased significantly.
  • Post-COVID-19 cases showed an 88.5% increase in surgical procedures, longer antibiotic therapy duration, and extended hospital stays.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant epidemiological and clinical shifts in pediatric acute mastoiditis.
  • Findings underscore the necessity for enhanced preventive measures, including vaccination and early diagnosis promotion.
  • Standardized clinical protocols are recommended to improve management efficiency, reduce hospital stays, and lower recurrence rates.

Keywords:
acute mastoiditisintracranial complicationspost-COVID-19 epidemiology

More Related Videos

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.4K
Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R06:01

Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R

Published on: December 9, 2022

2.8K

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
377
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
3.7K
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
1.6K
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
275
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
10.5K
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.2K