Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine
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Editorial Comment
The HPV vaccine: Understanding and addressing barriers to vaccination.
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Evidence shows that COVID-19 can exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreaticobiliary disorders, and it is important to distinguish between an IBD exacerbation and symptoms caused by COVID-19. Although IBD does not appear to increase the risk for COVID-19 or worsen outcomes, corticosteroids can increase the risk and should be avoided when treating these patients. Pancreatic and biliary disease have been described in patients with COVID-19, but it is not clear whether COVID-19 induces these diseases. For facilities resuming endoscopic procedures, there are consensus guidelines for minimizing the COVID-19 transmission risks with these procedures.
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Patients with COVID-19 commonly have elevated liver enzyme levels, which is associated with adverse outcomes during hospitalization including increased risk of ICU admission, intubation, and mortality. When assessing these patients, it is important to consider causes of liver injury unrelated to COVID-19. ⋯ Liver enzymes should be regularly monitored in all hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients with preexisting liver disease such as cirrhosis and those who have received a liver transplant may be an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
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Numerous societal changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as school closings and event cancellations, have caused anxiety and fear for children and young people. There are ways to help young people cope with the current situation including establishing an open dialogue, creating a structured daily routine with a schedule with assigned roles, and using social media and video conferencing to remain socially connected.