Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System Utilization in Patients with Developmental Delays

Adolescent females with developmental delays (DDs) experience unique physical and emotional challenges related to menstruation. Providers often recommend hormonal medication for menstrual management. The objective of our study was to describe the utilization and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in adolescents with DDs.

We utilized the Pediatric Health Information System to identify females aged 10-25 with DDs who underwent an LNG-IUS insertion between 2011 and 2020. Using a gynecologic procedure and diagnosis codes, we assessed indications for and complications of LNG-IUS use. We also evaluated early LNG-IUS removal.

One thousand five hundred and sixty female patients with DDs underwent LNG-IUS insertion. LNG-IUS insertion under anesthesia was most commonly performed in patients with autism and Down syndrome, and unspecified menstrual issues were documented for 40% of the cohort. Perforation was observed in 11 patients (1%), and mechanical complications (malpositioned IUS or lost threads) were observed in 23 patients (1%).

This is the largest analysis of LNG-IUS use in patients with DDs to our knowledge and shows the utilization of LNG-IUS in patients with DDs. We provide descriptive information that providers can use to accurately advise their patients with DDs on the risks and benefits of LNG-IUS use for menstrual management.