Effects of COVID-19 on Otitis Media with Effusion in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME), sometimes referred to as secretory or severe otitis media, is among the most common conditions in children. An estimated 80% of all children have had at least 1 episode of OME by the age of 10 years, with a peak of prevalence in the first 2 years of life. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on otitis media with effusion in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-section observational study Rangpur Medical College & Hospital Rangpur, Bangladesh. The duration of the period from July 2021 to July 2022. A total of 80 children, Age <6 months or >12 years with Otomicroscopic evidence of tympanosclerosis, choesteatoma, eardrum perforation, or complete stenosis or atresia of the external auditory canal were included in the study. Severely ill children and not willing to participate were excluded. After collection, the data were checked and cleaned, followed by editing, compiling, coding and categorizing according to the objectives and variable to detect errors and to maintain consistency, relevancy and quality control. Statistical evaluation of the results used to be obtained via the use of a window-based computer software program devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS- 24). Results: Before pandemic 9.52% of the respondents had <3 years of age, 23.80% were 3-7 years, 57.14% were 7-10 years and 10% had 10-12 years of age. During pandemic 11.42% of the respondents had <3 years of age, 19.04% were 3-7 years, 61.90% were 7-10 years and 7.62% had 10-12 years of age. No significant difference in mean age before and during pandemic. Before pandemic 65% of the respondents were male and 35% were female. During pandemic 40% of the respondents were male and 60% were female. Before pandemic 28.57% respondents were underweight, 57.14% were in normal range and 14.28% were overweight. During pandemic 26.67% were underweight, 55.23% were in normal range and 18% were overweight. The prevalence of OME was 40.6% before pandemic and 2.3% during pandemic. Children with chronic OME had a higher rate of disease resolution during pandemic (95%) than those examined before pandemic (5%, P \.001). Conclusion: The findings of our study, in our opinion, have important clinical implications, implying that keeping children at home for as little as 2 months may allow for the resolution of most cases with severe and refractory OME. This method, while possibly advantageous for all age groups, should be given special consideration for young children, who are the most susceptible to otitis.