Human papillomavirus infection and disease recurrence/persistence after treatment for women of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with coexisting vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND

Coexistent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) is problematic, posing challenges for patient management. This study focused on the clinical characteristics of coexistent CIN 2/3 and VaIN (all degrees), evaluating the proclivity for disease recurrence/persistence at 6 months after treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study of women treated for coexistent CIN 2/3 and VaIN (CE group) was undertaken between January 2018 and December 2020. During the same period, women with CIN 2/3 only were selected chronologically (1:2 ratio) for comparison (sCIN group). A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) was the standard treatment for CIN 2/3, performing electrofulguration of VaIN in tandem. First follow-up visits at 6 months thereafter entailed testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). Univariate and multivariate analyses served to assess pertinent risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 91 CE group members, each treated for coexistent CIN 2/3 and VaIN (VaIN 1, 35; VaIN 2/3, 56). Age ≥50 years (OR = 3.362, 95% CI: 1.421-7.954) emerged as an independent risk factor for coexistent disease. Positive margins and persistent high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection after treatment were more common in the CE (vs. sCIN) group (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively), as was recurrent/persistent high-grade disease (17.6% vs. 2.2%; p < 0.001). In the CE group, persistent HR-HPV infection 6 months after treatment (OR = 21.320, 95% CI: 2.509-181.188) was the sole independent risk factor for disease recurrence/persistence at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive vaginal wall examinations are warranted for women with CIN 2/3, particularly those >50 years old. Close follow-up by HPV test is also indicated if CIN 2/3 and VaIN coexist, given a heightened incidence of recurrent/persistent disease.