Lower Genital Tract Dysplasia in Female Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

To examine the incidence of lower genital tract dysplasia in women after solid organ transplantation, to evaluate risk factors associated with development of dysplasia, and to assess the timeline of disease development.

This was a retrospective study of female patients who underwent solid organ transplantation at a large-volume tertiary care center between 2000 and 2015. Demographic and clinicopathologic factors were extracted from electronic medical records. Cumulative incidence of lower genital tract dysplasia was calculated, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors for the development of dysplasia.

Among 394 female solid organ transplant recipients, the median age was 41 years (interquartile range 29-53). Forty-seven (11.9%; 95% CI 8.8-15.9%) women developed lower genital tract dysplasia over a median follow-up of 7.8 years (interquartile range 4.6-12.9). Thirty-eight (9.6%) developed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), with 14 (3.6%) diagnosed with CIN 2 or worse (one was cervical carcinoma). Nineteen (4.8%) developed noncervical lower genital tract dysplasia, including vulvar, vaginal, or anal dysplasia, with 13 (3.3%) diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia or worse (five were lower genital tract carcinoma [three anal, one vulvar, and one vaginal]). Ten (2.5%) developed both cervical and noncervical lower genital tract dysplasia. Black race was significantly associated with developing dysplasia (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% CI 1.33-6.13) as was hydroxychloroquine use (OR 5.95; 95% CI 1.96-18.09). High-grade cervical dysplasia was diagnosed at a median interval of 3.18 years after transplant; noncervical high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia was diagnosed at a median interval of 3.94 years.

One in eight transplant recipients developed lower genital tract dysplasia and approximately half were high-grade dysplasia or cancer. Black race and hydroxychloroquine use were associated with an increased risk of dysplasia. Yearly cervical screening and comprehensive lower genital examination beyond the cervix is indicated in this population.