Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring surgical intervention in a tertiary referral center. The aim is to understand the consequences of pandemic-related measures and their subsequent relaxation on the incidence and characteristics of upper respiratory tract infection-related complications.
Methods
Patients who underwent surgery as a complication of upper respiratory tract infections between December 2014 to February 2023 were included. Demographic information, surgical procedures, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes were assessed and analyzed comparing pre-pandemic, pandemic and post-pandemic groups.
Results
321 patients were enrolled, including 105 patients (32.7%) in the pediatric population. Comparison of pre-pandemic (n = 210), pandemic (n = 46) and post-pandemic periods (n = 65) revealed a statistically significant increase in complicated otologic infections requiring surgical intervention in the post-pandemic period compared to the pandemic period (p value = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in other surgical procedures or demographic parameters were observed. A statistically significant increase in urgent ear surgery in the pediatric population between the pandemic and the post-pandemic period (p value = 0.02) was observed. Beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections showed a statistically significant increase in the post-pandemic period compared with the pandemic period (p value = 0.02).
Conclusions
Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions was associated with an increase of upper respiratory tract infection-related otologic infections requiring surgical intervention with an increasing rate of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of the pandemic on upper respiratory tract infection complications and adapting management strategies accordingly.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Medicine,Otorhinolaryngology