HPV infection and pre-term birth: a data-linkage study using Scottish Health Data

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Investigated the association between high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV-associated cervical disease, and preterm birth.
• Examined the impact of HPV-16 and -18 vaccination on preterm birth risk in younger, vaccine-eligible women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if HR HPV infection or HPV-associated cervical disease increases the risk of preterm birth.
• To assess if HPV vaccination modifies the risk of preterm birth in eligible women.

Main Methods:

• A data-linkage study in Scotland linked HPV data to maternity records (1999-2015).
• Included 5,598 women (aged 16-45) with outcomes of term live birth, preterm birth, or early miscarriage.
• Analyzed data from 3,611 vaccine-eligible women (aged 16-25), including 588 vaccinated individuals.

Main Results:

• High-grade HPV-associated cervical disease was significantly associated with preterm birth (OR=1.843, p=0.020).
• No association was found between HR HPV infection alone, low-grade cervical abnormalities, and preterm birth.
• No HPV parameters or vaccination status were associated with preterm birth in vaccine-eligible women.

Conclusions:

• High-grade cervical disease related to HPV is a risk factor for preterm birth.
• HPV infection without cervical disease is not an independent risk factor for preterm birth.
• Pregnant women with a history of cervical treatment require monitoring for preterm birth signs.