Can inflammation predict recurrence? A study on genital warts in men

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Genital wart recurrence presents a persistent clinical challenge.
• Systemic inflammatory indices, including SII, NLR, and PLR, are emerging as potential prognostic markers for HPV-related diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative systemic inflammatory indices and the recurrence of genital warts.
• To identify predictors of genital wart recurrence in male patients treated with electrocauterisation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 217 male patients treated for penoscrotal warts.
• Calculation of SII, NLR, and PLR from preoperative blood counts.
• Comparison of inflammatory indices between primary and recurrent cases, and follow-up assessment for recurrence in primary cases.

Main Results:

• Recurrent cases showed significantly higher SII, NLR, and PLR compared to primary cases.
• Smoking prevalence was higher in recurrent patients.
• Among primary patients, those with 6-month recurrence had elevated SII and NLR; SII was identified as an independent predictor (OR = 1.42).

Conclusions:

• Elevated SII and NLR levels are associated with an increased risk of genital wart recurrence.
• SII independently predicts recurrence, suggesting its utility in risk stratification and follow-up planning for genital warts.
• Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore additional risk factors.