Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric endoscopy: A multicenter study on behalf of the SIGENP Endoscopy Working Group
- PMID: 35361566
- PMCID: PMC8904157
- DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.02.010
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric endoscopy: A multicenter study on behalf of the SIGENP Endoscopy Working Group
Abstract
Background: Aim of the present report was to investigate the repercussions of COVID-19 pandemic on the procedural volumes and on the main indications of pediatric digestive endoscopy in Italy.
Methods: An online survey was distributed at the beginning of December 2020 to Italian digestive endoscopy centers. Data were collected comparing two selected time intervals: the first from 1st of February 2019 to 30th June 2019 and the second from 1st February 2020 to 30th June 2020.
Results: Responses to the survey came from 24 pediatric endoscopy Units. Globally, a reduction of 37.2% was observed between 2019 and 2020 periods with a significant decrease in median number of procedures (111 vs 57, p < 0.001). Both the median number of procedures performed for new diagnoses and those for follow-up purposes significantly decreased in 2020 (63 vs 36, p < 0.001 and 42 vs 21, p< 0.001, respectively). We reported a drastic reduction of procedures performed for suspected Celiac Disease and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (55.1% and 58.0%, respectively). Diagnostic endoscopies for suspected IBD decreased of 15.5%, whereas procedures for Mucosal Healing (MH) assessment reduced of 48.3%.
Conclusions: Our study provides real-world data outlining the meaningful impact of COVID-19 on pediatric endoscopy practice in Italy.
Keywords: COVID-19; Endoscopy; Pediatric Endoscopy.
Copyright © 2022 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflict of interest None declared.
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- Romani G., Dal Mas F., Massaro M., Cobianchi L., Modenese M., Barcellini A., et al. Population health strategies to support hospital and intensive care unit resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Italian experience. Popul Health Manag. 2021;24:174–181. doi: 10.1089/pop.2020.0255. - DOI - PubMed
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