An assessment of postpartum contraception rates with evolving care during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic presented new care delivery obstacles in the form of scheduling procedures and safe presentation to in-person visits. Contraception provision is an indispensable component of postpartum care that was not immune to these challenges. Given the barriers to care during the initial months of the pandemic, we sought to examine how postpartum contraception, sterilization, and visit attendance were affected during this period.Study Design.We performed a retrospective chart review to examine contraception initiation, sterilization, and postpartum virtual and in-person visit attendance rates during the first six months (March 15 to September 7, 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the rates in the same period in the year prior at a single tertiary academic care center. We abstracted data from the first prenatal visit through twelve weeks postpartum.ResultsWith the initiation of virtual appointments, postpartum visit attendance significantly increased (94.6 % vs 88.4 %, p < 0.001) during the pandemic with no difference in overall contraception uptake (51 % vs 54.1 %, p = 0.2) or sterilization (11.0 % vs 11.5 %, p = 0.88). During the pandemic, contraception prescribed differed significantly with a trend towards patient-administered methods including pills, patches, and rings (21 % vs 16 %, p = 0.02). In both periods, there was a significantly younger mean age (p < 0.001), higher proportion of non-White and non-Asian race (p < 0.001), public insurance (p = 0.003, 0.004), and an established contraceptive plan prenatally (p < 0.001) in the group that received contraception.ConclusionAs virtual postpartum visits were instituted, contraception initiation and sterilization were maintained at pre-pandemic rates and visit attendance rose despite the obstacles to care presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Provision of virtual postpartum visits may be a driver to maintain contraception and sterilization rates at a time, such as early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when patient care is at risk to be disrupted by social distancing, isolation, and avoidance of medical campuses.     

Examining the influence of mental health on dual contraceptive method use among college women in the United States

ObjectivesTo examine mental health influences on dual contraceptive method use (i.e., the use of a hormonal contraceptive or intrauterine device with a condom barrier) among college women.Study designData from N = 307 sexually active women who completed the 2014 National College Health Assessment at a large mid-Atlantic university were analyzed. Following chi-square tests of associations, multivariate logistic regressions examined the relation between mental health and sociodemographic factors and dual contraceptive method use.ResultsAmong all women, 27% utilized a dual contraceptive method during last vaginal intercourse. A prior depressive disorder diagnosis was significantly associated with lower odds of dual method use compared to use of other contraceptive methods combined (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19–0.79), use of no method (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03–0.55), or use of hormonal contraceptives only (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18–0.85).ConclusionsMental health is an important contributor to contraceptive method use. Health care providers should consider the role of mental health when counseling women about contraceptive options during routine gynecological visits. Results suggest that mental health screenings may be helpful in identifying those most at risk for not using dual contraceptive methods.     

Factors associated with contraceptive use among postpartum women with substance use disorder

ObjectiveRates of unintended pregnancy among women with substance use disorder (SUD) are much higher than the general reproductive-age population, suggesting lower rates of contraceptive use. This study aims to determine the prevalence of contraceptive use in postpartum women with SUD and identify factors associated with its use.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data from 2016 to 2019 included postpartum adult women with any SUD who received care at a high-risk pregnancy clinic (n = 353). The primary outcome was contraception utilization as identified using diagnosis and procedure codes. An adjusted multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between postpartum contraceptive use and sample characteristics.ResultsOf the 353 postpartum women with SUD, contraceptive use was found in 128 (36.3%) women. Among the study population, the most commonly reported substance use disorders were nicotine use disorder (70.3%), opioid use disorder (51.3%), and cannabis use disorder (15.0%). Among those with opioid use disorder, 45.3% were found to be using medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Women who attended a postpartum visit had 2.23 times the odds of using contraception compared to women who did not (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.20–4.15). Those using MOUD had 3.69 times the odds of using contraception compared to those who were not (OR: 3.69, 95% CI: 1.89–7.19). Overall, women who utilized contraception were more likely to be younger than 25, receiving MOUD, and participating in postpartum care.ConclusionsPostpartum women with SUD are not using contraceptive methods and this is associated with a lack of appropriate healthcare interventions in the perinatal period, which can reduce the odds of receiving effective family planning services. Specialized whole-health interventions and policies to increase access to care for women with SUD should be developed.     

Determination of medical device-related pressure injury in COVID-19 patients: A prospective descriptive study

BackgroundCOVID-19 patients are at risk for the development of pressure injuries (PI).AimThe aim of this study was to determine the incidence of medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) in patients treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)s.MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of 132 patients, and each with a maximum follow-up of 7 days. Data were collected in the COVID-19 ICU of a university hospital between January and May 2021 by using a Patient Characteristics Form, the MDRPI Follow-up Form, the Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, and the Pressure Ulcer Staging Form.ResultsOf the patients, 59.1% (n = 78) developed at least one MDRPI. MRDPI was observed in those with a mean age of 65.45 ± 2.462 years who were invasively ventilated (51.3%), enterally fed (46.2%), placed in the prone position (78.2%), and had a Braden score ≤12 (50%). The most common medical devices that caused MDRPIs included endotracheal tube (ET) (31.2% n = 44), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIVM) (23.4% n = 33), nasal high-flow (11.3% n = 16), nasogastric tube (10.6% n = 15), the ET connection (8.5% n = 12), respectively. The most common sites for pressure injuries were the nose (28.8% n = 34), mouth (25.8% n = 34), ear (12.9% n = 17), lip (9.1% n = 12), and cheek (8.3% n = 11). The most common gradings of MDRPIs were stage 2 (28.8% n = 38), stage 1 (19.7% n = 26), stage 3 (9.1% n = 12) mucous membrane injuries (12.9% n = 17) and suspected deep tissue injuries (9.1% n = 12), respectively. The time to PI was 3 days (25.7% n = 36).ConclusionsMDRPI was common among COVID-19 patients. It was found that the most common cause of pressure injury was ventilators, and PI developed in the mouth and lip sites most frequently in patients in prone position, stage 2 and suspected deep tissue damage was the most common grade. It is important to evaluate the skin in contact with medical devices in COVID-19 patients and to take the necessary interventions to prevent PI.     

Perception of coercion during contraceptive counseling among individuals with HIV

ObjectiveHistorically, individuals with HIV have reported feeling coerced during contraceptive counseling or experienced forced sterilization. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of coercion related to counseling and influence on postpartum contraceptive choice among individuals with HIV.MethodsThis is a mixed methods study conducted in Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina between March 2020 and June 2021. Participants completed a survey to assess their experiences with contraception counseling and perceived coercion. An Interpersonal Quality of Family Planning (IQFP) care score was calculated to assess quality of counseling. Qualitative analyses were performed on narrative responses. Bivariate and regression analyses were used to evaluate factors associated with perceived coercion and IQFP scores.Results100 surveys were collected. The median age of respondents was 29 (IQR 24–35). The median IQFP score was 53 (IQR 44–55) and 45 % of individuals had a maximum IQFP score of 55. Most individuals (96 %) report that a provider “did a good job” explaining contraceptive options and 26 % report their provider’s preference affected their contraceptive choice to some degree. Few (11 %) respondents felt pressured to use long-acting reversible contraception postpartum. This perceived coercion was more likely when a provider suggested a specific contraceptive method, aOR 6.1 [95 % CI 1.1–33.1] and such specific provider suggestions were reported by one-third of respondents.ConclusionWhile perceived coercion was reported by few individuals with HIV, it was strongly associated with the provider making a specific method suggestion. Disproportionate provider influence in the final contraceptive decision occurred in one-quarter of individuals. More research is needed to discern to what extent provider preference compromises patient autonomy in shared decision-making.     

How the COVID-19 pandemic influences the prevalence of pressure injuries in the Czech Republic: A nationwide analysis of a health registry in 2020

BackgroundCOVID-19 significantly influences the overall patient status and, in severe symptomatology, the ability to move and the low oxygenation of the tissue for the ventilated patient in Intensive Care Units (ICU). There is a higher risk for Pressure injuries (PIs) development.ObjectivesThe nationwide analyses of the National health register aimed to compare the prevalence of PIs reported before the pandemic COVID-19 started and during the pandemic in 2020.MethodA retrospective, nationwide cross-sectional analysis of data regarding the STROBE checklist collected by the National Health Information System (NHIS), focusing on the PIs reporting based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnoses L89.0-L89.9 for PIs in 2020. The data from the pandemic period of COVID-19 in 2020 were compared to the prevalence of PI cases in the period 2010–2019 in the Czech Republic in all hospitalized patients.ResultsThe total number of admissions for L89 in 2020 was 14,441, of which 1509 (10.4%) also had COVID-19. In the ICU were 4386 admissions, 12.1% of which also had COVID-19. A higher proportion of PIs is observed in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 than in patients without COVID-19 (2.62% vs 0.81%, respectively 1.05% vs 0.46% when standardized to the 2013 ESP = European Standard Population). In patients hospitalized in ICU, 3.68% with COVID-19 had PIs vs 1.42% without COVID-19 had PIs (1.97% vs 0.81% using the 2013 ESP).ConclusionThe national health registers analyses have proven that the prevalence of PIs was higher among patients hospitalized with the SARS-CoV-2 infection.     

Determination of the effect of prophylactic dressing on the prevention of skin injuries associated with personal protective equipments in health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic

AimThe present study was carried out as a comparative observational study in order to determine the effect of prophylactic dressing on the prevention of skin injuries due to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care workers (HCWs) working with COVID-19 patients. In addition, the effect of nasal strip on the prevention of discomfort in breathing with mask was also investigated.Materials and methodsThe present study was carried out with 48 HCWs (Control Group-CG, n = 20; Experimental Group 1-EG1, n = 20; Experimental Group 2-EG2, n = 8) who use PPE on the face region and work with COVID-19 patients. Data was collected with Data Collection Form developed by researchers. In participants in CG, normal procedures of the institution in using PPE were followed. In EG1, prophylactic dressing was used on risky areas on the face. In EG2, nasal strip sticky on one side was used in addition to prophylactic dressing. The evaluation of the facial skin was made once a day by a researcher with expertise in wound management.ResultsGroups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics of participants. Overall rate of skin injuries associated with PPE use was 47.9%. Skin injuries developed in all participants in CG (n = 20), and in two and one participants in EG1 and EG2 respectively, with significant difference between groups. The most common skin injuries were Stage 1 pressure injury (29.2%), blanchable erythema of intact skin (27.1%) and itching (18.8%). No participant in EG2 reported discomfort in breathing (n = 8). Significant difference was found between groups in favor of EG2 in terms of experiencing discomfort in breathing (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn the present study, it was established that using prophylactic dressing under PPE prevents skin injuries on the facial skin and using nasal strip prevents discomfort in breathing with mask. In view of these results, it was recommended that prophylactic dressing should be used under PPE.     

Contraceptive use and consistency and the role of deferred action for childhood arrivals: A cross-sectional survey of undocumented young adults

ObjectiveThe Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program grants young, undocumented immigrants work authorization and protections from deportation, with about 1.3 million eligible for the program. This exploratory study examines the association between DACA status and contraceptive use among undocumented young adults.Study designWe conducted an internet-based survey between June 2017 and August 2017 among Asian and Latinx undocumented immigrants (N = 204) aged 18–31 years in California. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to examine the associations between DACA status and contraceptive use and consistency.ResultsAmong undocumented participants who were sexually active, about 60% reported having unprotected sex (52% DACA vs. 63% non-DACA) and about 80% reported that documentation status affects how they access care for sexual/reproductive health at least a little. Overall, Asians were 81% less likely to have unprotected sex compared to Latinx individuals (aOR = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.56). DACA recipients were more likely to report using contraception every time compared to non-recipients (42.9% vs. 30.5%, p = 0.04). DACA recipients were 63% less likely to report having unprotected sex in the past 12 months compared to those without DACA (aOR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.99). DACA recipients were more than three times as likely to use contraception during sex every time compared to those without DACA (aOR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.19, 8.54).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that undocumented young adults have low rates of contraceptive use; however, DACA is associated with improved reproductive health for certain undocumented immigrants.Implications and contributionState and federal policies that extend protections and promote immigrant integration are needed to fully achieve reproductive justice for all.     

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with psoriasis

BackgroundChildren with psoriasis may have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and their illness may also have affected their ability to follow preventive measures.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with psoriasis.MethodsA survey of children (< 18 years) with psoriasis, conducted from June 10 to June 29, 2020.ResultsIn total, 92 children were included: 71.7% had psoriasis lesions at the time of home lockdown while 45.2% were receiving systemic treatments, and two contracted COVID-19. During lockdown, psoriasis worsened in 47.3% of the children and 18.8% stopped their systemic treatments, mainly for reasons linked to the pandemic. A total of 41.3% had a consultation for psoriasis during lockdown (71.1% by teleconsultation): 39.5% due to worsening of their psoriasis and 21.1% for pandemic-related issues. Among patients not having a consultation during lockdown, 27.5% had a cancellation by the doctor and 9.3% had concerns over going to see the doctor. Finally, 22.8% of patients reported finding it difficult to respect hygiene measures because of their psoriasis, e.g., application of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (47.6%), handwashing routines (42.9%), and wearing a mask (28.6%).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the major clinical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with psoriasis. Teleconsultations played a key role in patient management as regards patient monitoring, provision of information, and renewal of treatments. It is vital that we learn from these data to improve and adapt the monitoring of chronic dermatoses in both children and adults in the event of a future health crisis.     

Contraceptive and pregnancy concerns in the UK during the first COVID-19 lockdown: A rapid study

ObjectivesCOVID-19 resulted in significant disruption to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services globally and the impact of this remains under explored. This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on SRH during the initial weeks of the first UK lockdown.DesignThis rapid study employed a cross-sectional anonymous survey design. Between 9th April and 4th May 2020, participants completed an online questionnaire around the impacts of COVID-19 on SRH. The survey was completed by 194 participants. The findings in this paper, report on data from closed and free text questions from 32% (n = 62) of the total sample who said they were able to get pregnant.ResultsParticipants raised concerns around reduced access to, or a denial of, SRH services as well as reduced choice when such services were available. Participants felt their right to access SRH care was impinged and there were anxieties around the impact of COVID-19 on maternal and foetal health.ConclusionsThe study contributes to a better understanding of the concerns, during the first 8 weeks of the UK lockdown, of those who could get pregnant. Policy makers and planners must ensure that SRH policy, that recognises the importance of bodily autonomy and rights, is central to pandemic planning and responses both in the UK and globally. Such policies should ensure the immediate implementation of protocols that protect SRH service delivery, alongside informing service users of both their right to access such care and how to do so. Further work is necessary with members from minority communities who are mostly absent from this study to explore if, and how, COVID-19 may have exacerbated already existing disparities.     

Is enhanced,structured prenatal counseling in third trimester associated with postpartum contraceptive uptake?

IntroductionContraception is key for maternal well-being in the postpartum period. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal counseling on postpartum contraception uptake.MethodsThis cohort study assessed pregnant patients who received their prenatal care at our outpatient obstetrics clinic in 2021–2022. The intervention group received counseling at their 28- and 36-week prenatal visits with a language-congruent paper handout and a review of methods by the provider. The non-intervention group was seen in the outpatient clinic prior to implementation. Intervention patients were surveyed on postpartum days 1–3 to evaluate recollection of counseling and intent to start contraception. Data on uptake and type of contraception chosen was collected for both groups at 6- and 12-weeks postpartum. Our primary outcome was uptake of any type of contraception at the 6-week postpartum visit.ResultsA total of 126 patients over two five-month intervals (64 intervention and 62 non-intervention) were included in analysis. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between the groups, including predominance of public insurance. Groups differed by race/ethnicity, with higher rates of Hispanic patients in the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group had higher contraception uptake within six weeks of delivery (OR 2.61, p = 0.0287). Forty-three patients in the intervention group desired postpartum contraception (including permanent methods, such as tubal ligation), although only 21 (48.8 %) received their desired method. There were no differences in method chosen between the non-intervention and intervention groups (p = 0.15).ConclusionsStructured prenatal counseling regarding contraceptive options can improve the timely initiation of contraception.     

Gender disparities in isotretinoin prescribing patterns for pediatric patients before and during practice changes introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic

Isotretinoin is a systemic therapy approved for acne and has historically required lab monitoring in addition to adherence to the iPLEDGE Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) given the medication's teratogenic effects. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the expansion of telemedicine, acceptance of remote pregnancy tests, and relaxation of lab monitoring practices. A retrospective review of 142 pediatric patients was conducted, and multivariate linear regression was performed to examine differences in prescribing patterns pre-COVID and during COVID. Backward elimination identified gender and the interaction between acne severity and number of systemic treatments tried before isotretinoin as significant factors associated with increased number of visits to isotretinoin initiation, with females requiring more visits before starting isotretinoin at every acne severity level and even after accounting for systemic treatments previously tried. While the changes catalyzed by the pandemic may have improved visit-related burdens for patients and caregivers, female patients with acne continue to be delayed in receiving isotretinoin even when adjusting for acne severity and systemic treatments trialed, underscoring persistent gender disparities in prescribing practices for isotretinoin.     

Impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of psoriasis with systemic therapies in France: Results from the PSOBIOTEQ cohort

BackgroundThe nature of the COVID-19 pandemic led to concerns among patients and physicians about the potential impact of immunosuppressive treatments for chronic diseases such as psoriasis on the risk of severe COVID-19.ObjectivesTo describe treatment modifications and determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection among psoriasis patients during the first wave of the pandemic, and identify the factors associated with these events.MethodsData from PSOBIOTEQ cohort relating to the first COVID-19 wave in France (March to June, 2020), as well as a patient-centred COVID-19 questionnaire, were used to evaluate the impact of lockdown on changes (discontinuations, delays or reductions) in systemic therapies, and to determine the incidence of COVID-19 cases among these patients. Logistic regression models were used to assess associated factors.ResultsAmong the 1751 respondents (89.3%), 282 patients (16.9%) changed their systemic treatment for psoriasis, with 46.0% of these changes being initiated by the patients themselves. Patients were more likely to experience psoriasis flare-ups during the first wave if they changed their treatment during this period (58.7% vs 14.4%; P < 0.0001). Changes to systemic therapies were less frequent among patients with cardiovascular diseases (P < 0.001), and those aged ≥ 65 years (P = 0.02). Overall, 45 patients (2.9%) reported having COVID-19, and eight (17.8%) required hospitalization. Risk factors for COVID-19 infection were close contact with a positive case (P < 0.001) and living in a region with a high incidence of COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Factors associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 were avoiding seeing a physician (P = 0.002), systematically wearing a mask during outings (P = 0.011) and being a current smoker (P = 0.046).ConclusionsDiscontinuation of systemic psoriasis treatments during the first COVID-19 wave (16.9%) – mainly decided by patients themselves (46.0%) – was associated with a higher incidence of disease flares (58.7% vs 14.4%). This observation and factors associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 highlight the need to maintain and adapt patient–physician communication during health crises according to patient profiles, with the aim of avoiding unnecessary treatment discontinuations and ensuring that patients are informed about the risk of infection and the importance of complying with hygiene rules.     

[Translated article] Epidemiologic Profile of the Main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Background and objectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic brought about social changes in 2020 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic profiles of the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of bacterial origin (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) diagnosed during this period and compare them to findings from previous years.Material and methodsDrawing on data from Hospital General Universitario in Valencia, Spain, we recorded the number of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases diagnosed monthly by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 2018–2021 and the number of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases diagnosed monthly in 2020–2021. We also collected clinical and demographic information on all patients diagnosed with STIs during the years studied.ResultsThe total number of STIs diagnosed increased from 570 in 2018–2019 to 664 in 2020–2021. PCR positivity rates were similar in the 2 periods, but the incidence rates were higher during the pandemic. The chronologic correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and STI positivity was negative. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.64 years (95% CI, 19.33–41.14 years) for chlamydia, 30.86 years (95% CI, 20.24–42.45 years) for gonorrhea, and 37.04 years (95% CI, 26.01–51.00 years) for syphilis. The number of men diagnosed with chlamydia increased by 13.85% (95% CI, 6.39–21.08; p = .0003) during the pandemic.ConclusionsWe observed a negative correlation between SARS-CoV2 infections and STIs during the pandemic and an increase in chlamydia cases among men. STI cases rose during 2020–2021, indicating that they remain a significant problem that needs to be addressed in young and adult populations.     

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the course of refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria under omalizumab treatment

BackgroundThe course of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be influenced by infections, depression, and stress.ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the course of refractory CSU together with patient adherence to omalizumab and treatment adjustments.MethodsUrticaria Activity Score (UAS7) was used to assess disease activity. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC-19s), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21s) were performed to assess mental health status. All scales were performed during the Quarantine Period (QP) and Return to the Normal Period (RTNP). UAS7 Before Pandemic (BP) was recorded from the patients medical records.ResultsThe authors evaluated 104 omalizumab-receiving CSU patients. UAS7 scores during QP were significantly higher than those in RTNP and BP (p < 0.01). DASS-21 and FC-19 scores were significantly higher during QP compared to RTNP (p < 0.01). Nineteen (18.2%) patients ceased omalizumab, 9 patients prolonged the intervals between subsequent doses during the pandemic. UAS7 scores in QP were significantly higher in patients who ceased omalizumab than in those who continued (p < 0.001). Among patients who continued omalizumab, 22.4% had an increase in urticaria activity and higher FC-19 scores in comparison with those with stable disease activity (p = 0.008).Study limitationsThe small sample size of patients with prolonged intervals of omalizumab and the lack of mental health evaluation with the same tools prior to the study.ConclusionFear induced by COVID-19 can determine an increase in disease activity. Therefore, patients on omalizumab should continue their treatment and prolonged interval without omalizumab can be considered in patients with good urticaria control.     

Who uses long-acting reversible contraception? Profile of LARC users in the CUPID cohort

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) users in a nationally representative cohort of young Australian women aged 18–23.MethodsData from 3155 women who responded to a question about their contraceptive use in the previous six months at the baseline Contraceptive Use, Pregnancy Intention and Decisions (CUPID) survey were included.Results726 (19.1%) women reported LARC use, with the Implanon being the most popular method (n = 478; 65.8%). A history of pregnancy was strongly associated with increased odds of LARC use in the multivariate model (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 2.11, 3.34, p ≤ 0.001). Comparatively, using contraception for reasons other than pregnancy prevention was associated with decreased odds of LARC use in the multivariate model (period management: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.91, p = 0.004, body management: OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.77, p = 0.001, medical condition: OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.66, p = 0.005). Highest education and Medicare card status also contributed to the final multivariate model, and were associated with decreased odds of LARC use.ConclusionReproductive history and reasons for contraceptive use are strong indications of method choice. Promoting LARC as highly effective may not be a sufficient incentive for young women to take up the method when pregnancy prevention may be equal or secondary to their desired non-contraceptive effects.     

Good tolerance of hyaluronic acid filler injections during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The aim of our study was to identify and evaluate the complications related to hyaluronic acid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Twelve dermatologists participated in this study. A cohort and a non-cohort follow-up were ensured.

Results

(1) Cohort follow-up: 1041 patients. 8% had a COVID-19 infection, 27% had received COVID-19 vaccination. 2% had immediate side effects (edema, erythema, bruising). 0.5% had delayed side effects (two inflammatory nodules, one nodule without inflammation, one edema). None of these side effects occurred in the context of infection or COVID-19 vaccinations. (2) Non-cohort follow-up: 7900 syringes used. Two early side effects (inflammatory edema) were reported, of which one occurred 15 days after vaccination. Two cases of delayed side effects such as inflammation on the injected area and inflammatory nodules occurred of which one was in the context of vaccination and one during COVID-19 infection. We estimate the frequency of complications possibly attributable to the disease or to the COVID vaccination to be 0.06% in our population.

Discussion

Complications of HA injections in the context of COVID-19 disease or vaccination appear to be very rare but the frequency could be underestimated because of the low rate of vaccination/infection in our population. Our study shows a very good tolerance of hyaluronic acid injections during the COVID-19 pandemic.