THE EFFECT OF PREVIOUS ADENOTONSILLECTOMY ON THE RISK OF CONTRACTING COVID-19 AND THE SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Objective: The effect of the Waldeyer’s lymphatic ring at the entry point of respiratory pathogens has essential functions in forming the immune response in childhood, and its effect on the frequency and severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is not clearly known. The objective of this study is to analyze the occurrence and severity of Covid-19 in pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery. Methods: Patients aged 3-15 with a history of adenotonsillectomy were compared to a control group in terms of the incidence and severity of Covid-19. Results: In patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy, a Covid test positivity rate of 1.5% was observed, compared to 2.7% in the control group, indicating a statistically significant difference. However, there was no disparity between the two groups regarding disease severity. Conclusion: Adenotonsillectomy does not elevate the risk of Covid 19 infection in children. In fact, individuals who have undergone this surgery exhibit a decreased incidence of Covid-19 infection.