Follow-up of High-grade Squamous Intra-epithelial Lesions (H-SILs) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-positive Women.Analysis of Risk Factors

• Published in: Anticancer research Vol. 26; no. 4B; pp. 3167 - 3170
• Main Authors: Frega, A, Biamonti, A, Maranghi, L, Vetrano, G, Palazzo, A, Iacovelli, R, Corosu, R, French, D, Moscarini, M, Vecchione, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2006
• Subjects: Human immunodeficiency virus; Human papillomavirus
• ISSN: 0250-7005

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women are at high risk of co-infection from human papillomavirus (HPV) and of developing squamous intra-epithelial lesions of the cervix. Materials and Methods: From April 1997 to March 1999, 86 women, affected by high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (H-SILs), were enrolled: 41 were HIV+ (CD4+ count >500/ml) and 45 were HIV-. The diagnosis of high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (H-SIL) was established for each patient by Pap test, colposcopy and guided biopsy. For all samples, the HPV/DNA test was also performed by PCR. The patients' lesions and recurrence were treated by cone biopsy or large loop excision (LEEP). Annual controls were performed for 5 years. Results: A high rate of alcohol and drug use (60.7% vs. 31.4%; p=0.004; 80% vs. 27.5%; p<0.001, respectively) and number of male partners (4.5 vs. 3.0; p<0.001) were found in the HIV+ patients, compared to the HIV-patients. Both groups were HPV+ for high-risk types. No difference was found in the percentage of patients who had received a second LEEP. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the treatment of H-SIL in HIV-positive women, for a longer disease-free survival, or a lower risk of developing cervical cancer.