Cervicovaginal Microbiome after Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment. A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1)

Background

The microbiome consists of microorganisms from various kingdoms with numerous physical and chemical properties Lactobacillus species constitute the highest percentage of healthy cervical and vaginal microbiota. Dysbiosis may cause adverse outcomes, e.g., bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications. The cervicovaginal microbiome might contribute to the development of a persistent HPV infection-the main risk factor of cervical cancer-and influence progression to malignancy The aim is to perform a systematic review of current literature and a meta-analysis regarding microbiome changes after cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treatment. (2)

Methods

We will search PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Embase Database and trace citations in the reference sections. Randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, case-control and cohort studies published between January 2000 and May 2021 will be included in the study protocol. The following keywords will be used: 'microbiome', 'vaginal microbiome', 'cervical microbiome', 'cervical neoplasia treatment', 'conization', 'electroconization', and 'electrosurgical treatment'. Statistical analyses will be performed using RevMan 5.4. (3)

Results

The results will be published as a peer-reviewed article. (4)

Conclusions

The study will show which forms of intraepithelial neoplasia treatment change the cervicovaginal microbiome. Finding the best form of treatment by studying the cervicovaginal microbiome after various forms of treatment is essential. Patients would benefit not only from the treatment of the initial disease but also the management of dysbiosis, which might underlie other pathologies.