COVID-19 Pandemic Linked to Increased Incidence of Intracranial Infections in Children

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the incidence and outcome of intracranial infections in children, according to new research from Rostock University Medical Center. A multicenter retrospective analysis of children who underwent neurosurgical treatment of intracranial infections revealed a substantial increase in the annual incidence of pediatric intracranial infections requiring neurosurgery, from 5.6 cases prepandemic to 14.4 cases postpandemic. This significant increase in incidence risk ratio (IRR) of 2.6 suggests a potential link between the pandemic and increased risk of intracranial infections in children. Furthermore, the postpandemic group had a significantly higher incidence of underlying complicated otitis and sinusitis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The annual incidence of pediatric intracranial infections requiring neurosurgery increased significantly from 5.6 cases (95% CI: 4.0-7.5) prepandemic to 14.4 cases (95% CI: 11.2-18.0) postpandemic.
  • The incidence risk ratio (IRR) of 2.6 (95% CI: 1.8-3.8; P < 0.001) suggests a significant link between the pandemic and increased risk of intracranial infections in children.
  • The postpandemic group had a significantly higher incidence of underlying complicated otitis and sinusitis.
  • The study analyzed data from 10 years, with the prepandemic period spanning from January 2014 to December 2019 and the postpandemic period from January 2020 to October 2024.
  • The research was conducted by a team of authors from Rostock University Medical Center, led by Sae-Yeon Won.

Statistics:

  • Risk ratio of 2.6 (95% CI: 1.8-3.8; P < 0.001) indicating a significant increase in the incidence of pediatric intracranial infections requiring neurosurgery postpandemic.
  • 14.4 cases (95% CI: 11.2-18.0) of pediatric intracranial infections requiring neurosurgery observed in the postpandemic period.
  • 5.6 cases (95% CI: 4.0-7.5) of pediatric intracranial infections requiring neurosurgery observed in the prepandemic period.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Rostock University Medical Center Reports Findings in COVID-19 (Pediatric Intracranial Infections Requiring Neurosurgery: A German Multicenter Analysis of 10-Year Trends Pre-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19). Pediatrics Week. August 9, 2025; p 13.
  • Pediatric Intracranial Infections Requiring Neurosurgery: A German Multicenter Analysis of 10-Year Trends Pre-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19. Neurosurgery, 2025.