Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of care for dermatologic patients on systemic therapy during the period of strict lockdown.
COVID-19 pandemic
Corona virus
Skin diseases
Systemic treatments
Journal
Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)
ISSN: 2049-0801
Titre abrégé: Ann Med Surg (Lond)
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101616869
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Dec 2020
Dec 2020
Historique:
received:
23
09
2020
revised:
17
11
2020
accepted:
17
11
2020
entrez:
30
11
2020
pubmed:
1
12
2020
medline:
1
12
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The world has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Jordan was among countries which enforced early lock-down for most non-vital services. Health care was mainly directed to cope with COVID-19 cases. The pandemic posed challenges for all patients, including dermatology patients especially those on systemic treatments. This resulted in interruption of medical care and exacerbation of pre-existing skin diseases for many patients. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study of dermatology patients on systemic treatment prior to corona pandemic. After lockdown was lifted, patients taking systemic treatments were evaluated for continuity of care during lockdown period and how that affected their skin condition. Demographic data, details of skin condition, continuity of care and impact on skin condition data were collected and analyzed. 154 patients (120 males, 34 females) were included. The majority (around 80%) of patients were unable to attend to dermatology clinics or do the needed lab monitoring. Around one fifth of patients had drug interruption mostly due to no access to hospital pharmacy. Most patients were using oral isotretinoin for acne, others include methotrexate and other immune suppressive agents. Patients with acne and oral isotretinoin treatment were more likely to continue their treatment during lockdown period. Amongst those who stopped treatment, around 42% had flare up of their disease. COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact on various aspects of care for dermatology patients especially those on systemic therapy. This study demonstrated limited access to specialist care, inability to do lab tests and discontinuation of treatment during lockdown. Some patients (42%) had flare up of their skin condition as a result.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The world has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Jordan was among countries which enforced early lock-down for most non-vital services. Health care was mainly directed to cope with COVID-19 cases. The pandemic posed challenges for all patients, including dermatology patients especially those on systemic treatments. This resulted in interruption of medical care and exacerbation of pre-existing skin diseases for many patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
METHODS
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study of dermatology patients on systemic treatment prior to corona pandemic. After lockdown was lifted, patients taking systemic treatments were evaluated for continuity of care during lockdown period and how that affected their skin condition. Demographic data, details of skin condition, continuity of care and impact on skin condition data were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
RESULTS
154 patients (120 males, 34 females) were included. The majority (around 80%) of patients were unable to attend to dermatology clinics or do the needed lab monitoring. Around one fifth of patients had drug interruption mostly due to no access to hospital pharmacy. Most patients were using oral isotretinoin for acne, others include methotrexate and other immune suppressive agents. Patients with acne and oral isotretinoin treatment were more likely to continue their treatment during lockdown period. Amongst those who stopped treatment, around 42% had flare up of their disease.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact on various aspects of care for dermatology patients especially those on systemic therapy. This study demonstrated limited access to specialist care, inability to do lab tests and discontinuation of treatment during lockdown. Some patients (42%) had flare up of their skin condition as a result.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33251007
doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.11.056
pii: S2049-0801(20)30483-0
pmc: PMC7686756
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
571-574Informations de copyright
© 2020 The Authors.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors declare no conflict of interest in relation to this study.
Références
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