Clinical Report: Pediatric abscess incidence may be higher postpandemic

Overview

A retrospective cohort study found that the incidence of pediatric head and neck abscesses increased more than threefold in the postpandemic period compared to prepandemic levels. This study analyzed 194 patients and highlighted significant increases across various abscess types.

Background

The rise in pediatric head and neck abscesses post-COVID-19 is concerning as it may reflect changes in infection patterns and healthcare access.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The incidence of pediatric head and neck abscesses increased from 3.34 cases per 10,000 ED patients per year prepandemic to 10.95 postpandemic.
• Postpandemic incidence was 3.28-fold higher than the prepandemic incidence.
• Significant increases were noted in cervical lymphadenitis with abscess, peritonsillar abscess, and retropharyngeal/parapharyngeal abscess.
• No new dominant pathogens were identified; common organisms included Streptococcus species and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Clinical management remained largely similar across the three periods studied.
• Patient demographics did not account for the increased incidence observed postpandemic.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be vigilant in recognizing and managing pediatric head and neck abscesses, especially in the post-pandemic context. Ongoing surveillance and prompt intervention are essential to address the rising incidence of these infections.

Conclusion

The study highlights a significant increase in pediatric head and neck abscesses following the pandemic.

Related Resources & Content

1. DiBlasi M, et al., The Laryngoscope, 2024 -- Increased Pediatric Head and Neck Abscesses Following the COVID‐19 Pandemic
2. MDSpire News — Pediatric RSV Cases Surge Post—COVID-19
3. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Analysis of the epidemic situation of respiratory pathogens in central and southern China before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
4. Infection — Rise in Adult Group A Streptococcal Infections Following the Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis from 2012 to 2024
5. BMJ Paediatrics Open — Antibiotic overuse in children with viral infections: lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
6. Pediatric RSV Cases Surge Post—COVID-19
7. Analysis of the epidemic situation of respiratory pathogens in central and southern China before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
8. Rise in Adult Group A Streptococcal Infections Following the Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis from 2012 to 2024
9. Antibiotic overuse in children with viral infections: lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
10. Imaging for Pediatric Head and Neck Emergencies: Critical Insights
11. Management of paediatric neck abscess with needle aspiration against surgical drainage: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
12. Increased Pediatric Head and Neck Abscesses Following the COVID‐19 Pandemic - DiBlasi - The Laryngoscope - Wiley Online Library