S3423 The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Endoscopies in a Single Center

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric endoscopic procedures are considered at high risk for Covid-19 transmission as it can be aerosolized during the upper and lower endoscopy. In addition to that, a higher proportion of children have mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 infection. The data in pediatric endoscopy experience during Covid-19 pandemic is scarce. Our research goal is to explore the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on our pediatric endoscopy practice and compare the differences with pre-pandemic endoscopy experience. Methods: Pediatric endoscopic procedures are considered at high risk for Covid-19 transmission as it can be aerosolized during the upper and lower endoscopy. In addition to that, a higher proportion of children have mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 infection. The data in pediatric endoscopy experience during Covid-19 pandemic is scarce. Our research goal is to explore the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on our pediatric endoscopy practice and compare the differences with pre-pandemic endoscopy experience. Results: Pediatric endoscopic procedures are considered at high risk for Covid-19 transmission as it can be aerosolized during the upper and lower endoscopy. In addition to that, a higher proportion of children have mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 infection. The data in pediatric endoscopy experience during Covid-19 pandemic is scarce. Our research goal is to explore the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on our pediatric endoscopy practice and compare the differences with pre-pandemic endoscopy experience. Conclusion: In conclusion, Pediatric endoscopy volumes in our center have been clearly impacted due to pandemic in the first 2 months but afterwards volumes were similar to the pre-pandemic year. Only 1% of patients tested positive for Covid-19 which is significantly lower than the average positivity rate of 4.52% for the State of Maryland since Covid-19 pandemic started. None of the endoscopist or trainees tested positive for Covid-19 infection. With the combination of pre-procedure test and infection control precautions endoscopies could be performed safely in children.Figure 1.: A. Endoscopies by Month. B. Cancelations--Pandemic Year.