Persistent human papilloma virus infection as an indicator of risk of recurrence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated by the loop electrosurgical excision procedure.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the recurrence rate of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treated by the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) according to the persistence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
The Florence District screening program for cervical cancer.


METHODS
Eighty-four cases of CIN2/3 consecutively treated by LEEP and actively followed up.


METHODS
Cases underwent HPV testing (polymerase chain reaction) prior to LEEP and after 6 months, and then cyto-colposcopic followup every 6 months.


METHODS
Recurrence was defined as histological evidence of high-grade CIN. The association of recurrence to age and CIN grade at treatment and to cytologic and HPV test findings at recurrence was determined.


RESULTS
The average recurrence rate was 11.9% (10/84 cases; 95% CI, 5.9-20.8%). Recurrence probability was not significantly associated to age (chi2 = 0.25, df = 2, P = 0.88) or CIN grade (CIN 3 = 8/57, CIN2 = 2/27, chi2 = 0.26, df = 1, P = 0.6), whereas a significant association was evident for the cytology report (< LSIL = 6/76, HSIL > or = 4/8, chi2 = 8.55, df = 1, P = 0.003) and HPV testing (absent = 1/48, present = 9/36, chi2 = 8.23, df = 1, P= 0.004).


CONCLUSIONS
Most CIN2 > recurrences after LEEP occur in subjects with persistent HPV infection. Subjects with negative findings at cytology, colposcopy and HPV testing are at negligible risk of recurrence and might return safely to standard screening protocol.
Cecchini
Silvia
S
Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Florence, Italy.
Carozzi
Francesca
F
Confortini
Massimo
M
Zappa
Marco
M
Ciatto
Stefano
S
D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000821:virology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery* / Q000821:virology*
D004279:DNA, Viral