Pediatric E.N.T. emergencies during COVID-19 pandemic: our experience

Management of Pediatric Foreign Body Injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an International Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has had direct and indirect effects on daily life. In hospitals, the impact of the pandemic was observed in the diagnostic and therapeutic workflow. In this work, we explored potential changes in activities related to the treatment of foreign body injuries (FBIs) in children and the behavioral habits of physicians during the first wave of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among physicians of the Susy Safe network. The survey comprised items related to respondent information, reference center characteristics, the treatment of FBIs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a modified COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS). The survey was distributed among the Susy Safe project international network surveillance registry for FBIs. A total of 58 physicians responded to the survey, including 18 (32%) from Europe and 16 (28%) from South America. The respondents indicated that the estimated number of aspirated foreign bodies during the pandemic was lower than or the same as that before the pandemic (43, 74%), and the same was observed for ingested foreign bodies (43, 74%). In univariable logistic regression, no single predictor was associated with a delay in routine care for children or an increasing tendency of medical personnel to avoid procedures. The workflow of physicians involved in the management of FBIs in children has not changed drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in emergency departments.

Unmasking a New Type of Gastrointestinal Foreign Body in the COVID-19 Era

The incidence of foreign body ingestion has increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. As face masks became increasingly available, we report a case of accidental ingestion of the metal strip insert of a surgical mask. After initially progressing, its progress halted after 24 hours. This case highlights the challenges of timing the endoscopic removal of long objects, especially considering the reduced endoscopic availability during the pandemic. Despite only causing local trauma, the strip was impacted at the duodenojejunal flexure with the potential to cause obstruction. Limiting morbidity relies on urgent removal and prevention of similar ingestions by emphasizing the safe use and storage of masks.

Investigation of Serum Interleukin 6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Levels during the Diagnosis and Treatment of Paediatric Appendicitis Patients Before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction

In this study, we prospectively investigated changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and full white blood cell (WBC) counts during the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric patients with appendicitis. We also investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment processes of paediatric appendicitis patients.

Materials and Methods

A non-perforated appendicitis group (n = 110), a perforated appendicitis group (n = 35) and an appendicitis + COVID-19 group (n = 8) were formed. Blood samples were taken upon admission and every day until the three studied parameters returned to normal values. To investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric appendicitis patients, the perforated appendicitis rates and the times from the onset of the first symptoms to the operation before and during the pandemic were compared.

Results

WBC, IL-6, and hsCRP dropped below the upper limits on the second postoperative day in the non-perforated appendicitis group, four to six days postoperatively in the perforated appendicitis group, and three to six days postoperatively in the appendicitis + COVID-19 group. These parameters were not within normal range in patients who developed complications during follow-up. The time from the onset of abdominal pain to the surgery was significantly longer during than before the pandemic in both the non-perforated appendicitis group and the perforated appendicitis group.

Conclusions

Our results show that WBC, IL-6, and hsCRP are useful laboratory parameters that can complete clinical examinations in the diagnosis of appendicitis in paediatric patients and the identification of complications that may develop postoperatively.

ENT Emergencies During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic at the Mohammed VI Hospital in Marrakech: Comparative Study Between Pre-and During COVID Pandemic in ENT Department

The rapid global spreading of SARS-CoV2 virus had triggered a state of alert in health systems imposing safety measures to limit its spreading. The aim of our study is to compare the number and type of emergency admissions in our university hospital between the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic and the same period of the previous year. A decrease in the number of patients and the nature of pathologies admitted to the emergency room during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights that the Covid 19 epidemic and the containment have largely reduced the influx of patients treated in the ENT university emergency department of Marrakech, thus demonstrating that level 2 regional hospitals can take care of the majority of ENT emergencies and leave access to the level 3 university hospital to patients requiring heavy and multidisciplinary management.

Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Interventions and Medical Practices in Pediatric Otolaryngology: A Narrative Review

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health challenge. All types of elective and semi-urgent medical care and procedures have been discontinued during the pandemic to maintain the capacity to care for patients with this disease. The pandemic has had a significant impact on almost every medical field, including pediatric otolaryngology. This review highlights the impact of COVID-19 on surgical interventions and medical practices in pediatric otolaryngology owing to its direct association with ear, nose, and throat disorders, with an emphasis on immediate and potential long-term transformations in clinical practice. We reviewed several articles and scientific websites and summarized the currently available evidence and best practices for safety in the field of otolaryngology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensively discussed issues in pediatric otolaryngology include surgical interventions, medical practices, modes of transmission of COVID-19, personal protective equipment, and duration of exposure. Otolaryngologists should preserve their integrative medical approaches and subspecialty expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a marked change in the approach to managing pediatric ear, nose, and throat conditions, both in the outpatient department and operating room, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic requires a great deal of flexibility and necessitates exploring new opportunities to create a safe and patient-friendly environment for children with otolaryngology problems. Many of the precautions implemented will remain necessary until a robust evidence shows the pandemic has come to an end.