Risk factors of persistent HPV infection after treatment for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

To evaluate the risk factors associated with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) infections in patients undergoing cervical excision for treatment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).

A retrospective cohort study included 160 patients who underwent cervical excision for treatment of HSIL between January 2014 and December 2014. The clinical characteristics, cervical cytology, and HPV test results were reviewed. Persistent HR HPV infections were identified within 6 months after treatment. The effects of various factors such as patient age, menopausal status, parity, HPV type, and histopathological results on persistent HR HPV infections were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

The mean age of patients was 38.1 ± 11.5 years (range 18‒86 years). Among them 148 (92.5%) had HR HPV infections, and persistent infections after surgical treatment were detected in 48 (32.4%) patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age (> 50 years), short follow-up duration (< 3 months), and menopause were associated with persistent HR HPV infections. Multivariate analysis showed that menopausal status was the only significant independent predictor for HR HPV persistence after treatment (odds ratio, 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-13.36; P = 0.001).

Persistent HR HPV infections were detected in approximately 30% of patients within 6 months after cervical excision for HSIL. Elderly patients with menopause are at increased risk of HR HPV persistence after treatment for HSIL.