Epidemiological data on purulent otitis media in the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods: A hospital-based perspective

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Europe at the end of 2019, while the first confirmed cases in Albania were reported in March 2020. The epidemic officially ended in 2023. From 2021 onward, following the most severe waves and the end of lockdowns and restrictive measures, hospitals and health centers became more accessible. A continuing challenge for the Albanian health system, as elsewhere, was post-COVID effects and pediatric population involvement.

Aim of the study: To provide a statistical overview of hospitalized acute and subacute purulent otitis media (OMA, OMSA) cases in the ENT Division and two pediatric divisions (infectious diseases and general pediatrics) at the Tirana University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” (TUHC), comparing pre- and post-pandemic peak periods to understand the effect of isolation and the epidemic on these morbidities and age-group hospitalization trends.

Material and methods: Retrospective keyword-based screening (“otitis media”) of the hospital internal database (SISP) and ENT surgical theater records at University Hospital “Mother Teresa.” Two analyzed intervals were 2017–2018 and 2021–2022. Excluded cases were cholesteatoma and otitis media with perforation requiring tympanoplasty. Filtered records were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: In 2017–2018, 40 pediatric and 41 adult patients were hospitalized for acute or subacute purulent otitis media, with mean ages of 8 years and 47.7 years, respectively. In 2021–2022, 18 pediatric and 18 adult cases were hospitalized, with mean ages of 3.9 years and 46.4 years. Total admissions decreased post-peak, while pediatric patients showed longer hospital stays, hospitalization at younger ages, and fewer surgical interventions, reflecting a more conservative approach in children. Data extraction revealed also substantial database inaccuracies, highlighting the need for more precise, individualized data parameters.

Conclusion: The post-COVID-19 period appears to have influenced otitis media epidemiology and management, particularly showing a shift toward younger pediatric hospitalization and longer inpatient care. The study emphasizes potential changes in disease and treatment patterns limited to hospitalized cases and identifies the need for future studies, including outpatient data and larger populations.