Fatores associados a não realização de exame citopatológico em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, 2015: estudo transversal de base populacional / Factores asociados a la no realización de examen citopatológico en São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015: estudio transversal de base poblacional / Factors associated with not having Pap Smears in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015: a cross-sectional population-based study

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de exame citopatológico não realizado nos últimos três anos e de nunca realizado em mulheres, e analisar fatores associados. Métodos: estudo transversal, com mulheres de 20 a 69 anos de idade, em São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil, em 2015; calcularam-se as razões de prevalência (RP) por regressão de Poisson. Resultados: entre 919 mulheres, a prevalência de exame atrasado foi 17,8% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%15,4;20,3), e de nunca realizado, 8,1% (IC95%6,3;9,8); na análise ajustada, o aumento na prevalência de exame atrasado mostrou-se associado à classe econômica D/E (RP=2,1 - IC95%1,3;3,5), idade de 20-29 anos (RP=3,2 - IC95%2,1;4,9) e nenhuma consulta realizada (RP=3,0 - IC95%2,1;4,1); nunca ter realizado exame associou-se com classe econômica D/E (RP=2,6 - IC95%1,4;5,0), idade de 20-29 anos (RP=24,1 - IC95%6,4;90,9) e nenhuma consulta (RP=2,9 - IC95%1,7;4,8). Conclusão: a cobertura de exame foi alta e com iniquidade.

Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de examen en mujeres, no realizado en los últimos tres años y de nunca realizado, y analizar factores asociados. Métodos: estudio transversal con mujeres de 20 a 69 años de edad de São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil, en 2015; se calcularon las razones de prevalencia (RP) por la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: entre 919 mujeres, la prevalencia de examen retrasado fue 17,8% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]15,4;20,3) y de nunca realizado fue del 8,1% (IC95%6,3;9,8); en el análisis ajustado, el aumento en la prevalencia de examen retrasado se asoció con clase económica D/E (RP=2,1 - IC95%1,3;3,5), a edad entre 20-29 años (RP=3,2 - IC95%2,1;4,9) y ninguna consulta (RP=3,0 - IC95%2,1;4,1); nunca haber realizado examen se asoció con clase D/E (RP=2,6 - IC95%1,4;5,0), a 20-29 años de edad (RP=24,1 - IC95%6,4;90,9) y ninguna consulta (RP=2,9 - IC95%1,7;4,8). Conclusión: la cobertura de examen fue alta y con inequidad.

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of Pap tests not performed in the last three years and never performed in women and to analyze factors. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with women aged 20 to 69 years living in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil, in 2015; prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression. Results: among 919 women, prevalence of delayed testing was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]15.4;20.3) and never tested prevalence was 8.1% (95%CI6.3%;9.8%); in the adjusted analysis, the increase in the prevalence of delayed testing was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.1 - 95%CI1.3;3.5), being aged 20-29 years (PR=3.2 - 95%CI2.1;4.9) and not having had a medical appointment (PR=3.0 - 95%CI2.1;4.1); never having tested was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.6 - 95%CI1.4;5.0), being aged 20-29 years (PR=24.1 - 95%CI6.4;90.9), and not having had a medical appointment (PR=2.9 - 95%CI1.7;4.8). Conclusion: coverage of the test was high but characterized by social inequality.

Portable Pocket colposcopy performs comparably to standard-of-care clinical colposcopy using acetic acid and Lugol's iodine as contrast mediators: an investigational study in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to develop a tele-colposcopy platform for primary-care clinics to improve screening sensitivity and access. Specifically, we developed a low-cost, portable Pocket colposcope and evaluated its performance in a tertiary healthcare centre in Peru. DESIGN AND SETTING: Images of the cervix were captured with a standard-of-care and Pocket colposcope at la Liga Contra el Cáncer in Lima, Peru. POPULATION: Two hundred Peruvian women with abnormal cytology and/or human papillomavirus positivity were enrolled. METHODS: Images were collected using acetic acid and Lugol's iodine as contrast agents. Biopsies were taken as per standard-of-care procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After passing quality review, images from 129 women were sent to four physicians who provided a diagnosis for each image. RESULTS: Physician interpretation of images from the two colposcopes agreed 83.1% of the time. The average sensitivity and specificity of physician interpretation compared with pathology was similar for the Pocket (sensitivity = 71.2%, specificity = 57.5%) and standard-of-care (sensitivity = 79.8%, specificity = 56.6%) colposcopes. When compared with a previous study where only acetic acid was applied to the cervix, results indicated that adding Lugol's iodine as a secondary contrast agent improved the percent agreement between colposcopes for all pathological categories by up to 8.9% and the sensitivity and specificity of physician interpretation compared with pathology by over 6.0 and 9.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Pocket colposcope performance was similar to that of a standard-of-care colposcope when used to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions using acetic acid and Lugol's iodine during colposcopy examinations in Peru. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The Pocket colposcope performance was similar to that of a standard-of-care colposcope when identifying cervical lesions.

HPV in women assisted by the Family Health Strategy.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of cervical HPV infection among women assisted by the Family Health Strategy and identify the factors related to the infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 2,076 women aged 20-59 years old residing in Juiz de Fora, State of Minas Gerais, who were asked to participate in an organized screening carried out in units were the Family Health Strategy had been implemented. Participants answered the standardized questionnaire and underwent a conventional cervical cytology test and HPV test for high oncogenic risk. Estimates of HPV infection prevalence were calculated according to selected characteristics referenced in the literature and related to socioeconomic status, reproductive health and lifestyle. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.6% (95%CI 11.16-14.05). The prevalence for the pooled primer contained 12 oncogenic HPV types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) was 8.6% (95%CI 7.3-9.77). In the multivariate analysis, it was observed that the following variables were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of HPV infection: marital status (single: adjusted PR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.07-1.8), alcohol consumption (any lifetime frequency: adjusted PR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.11-1.86) and number of lifetime sexual partners (≥ 3: adjusted PR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.04-1.74). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV infection in the study population ranges from average to particularly high among young women. The prevalence of HPV16 and HPV18 infection is similar to the worldwide prevalence. Homogeneous distribution among the pooled primer types would precede the isolated infection by HPV18 in magnitude, which may be a difference greater than the one observed. The identification of high-risk oncogenic HPV prevalence may help identify women at higher risk of developing preneoplastic lesions.

HPV in women assisted by the Family Health Strategy / Infecção por HPV em mulheres atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Estimate the prevalence of cervical HPV infection among women assisted by the Family Health Strategy and identify the factors related to the infection. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving 2,076 women aged 20-59 years old residing in Juiz de Fora, State of Minas Gerais, who were asked to participate in an organized screening carried out in units were the Family Health Strategy had been implemented. Participants answered the standardized questionnaire and underwent a conventional cervical cytology test and HPV test for high oncogenic risk. Estimates of HPV infection prevalence were calculated according to selected characteristics referenced in the literature and related to socioeconomic status, reproductive health and lifestyle. RESULTS The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.6% (95%CI 11.16-14.05). The prevalence for the pooled primer contained 12 oncogenic HPV types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) was 8.6% (95%CI 7.3-9.77). In the multivariate analysis, it was observed that the following variables were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of HPV infection: marital status (single: adjusted PR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.07-1.8), alcohol consumption (any lifetime frequency: adjusted PR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.11-1.86) and number of lifetime sexual partners (≥ 3: adjusted PR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.04-1.74). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HPV infection in the study population ranges from average to particularly high among young women. The prevalence of HPV16 and HPV18 infection is similar to the worldwide prevalence. Homogeneous distribution among the pooled primer types would precede the isolated infection by HPV18 in magnitude, which may be a difference greater than the one observed. The identification of high-risk oncogenic HPV prevalence may help identify women at higher risk of developing preneoplastic lesions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência de infecção do colo do útero pelo HPV entre mulheres assistidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família e identificar os fatores relacionados à infecção. MÉTODOS Trata-se de estudo transversal, no qual participaram 2.076 mulheres de 20 a 59 anos, residentes em Juiz de Fora, MG, convocadas para rastreamento organizado, realizado em unidades com a Estratégia Saúde da Família implantada. As participantes responderam ao questionário padronizado, realizando exame citológico cervical convencional e teste para HPV de alto risco oncogênico. Foram calculadas estimativas de prevalência de infecção pelo HPV segundo características selecionadas, referenciadas na literatura, relacionadas ao status socioeconômico, saúde reprodutiva e estilo de vida. RESULTADOS A prevalência global de infecção pelo HPV foi 12,6% (IC95% 11,16-14,05). A prevalência para o pooled primer contendo 12 tipos de HPV oncogênicos (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 e 68) foi 8,6% (IC95% 7,3-9,77). Na análise multivariada, observou-se que as seguintes variáveis estavam significativamente associadas a uma maior prevalência de infecção por HPV: estado conjugal (solteira: RP ajustada = 1,40; IC95% 1,07-1,8), consumo de bebidas alcoólicas (qualquer frequência durante a vida: RP ajustada = 1,44; IC95% 1,11-1,86) e número de parceiros sexuais ao longo da vida (≥ 3: RP ajustada = 1,35; IC95% 1,04-1,74). CONCLUSÕES A prevalência de infecção pelo HPV na população estudada varia de média a particularmente alta entre as mulheres jovens. A prevalência de infecção por HPV16 e HPV18 se assemelha às mundiais. Uma distribuição homogênea entre os tipos do pooled primer precederia a infecção isolada pelo HPV18 em magnitude, podendo ser a diferença maior que a observada. A identificação da prevalência de HPV de alto risco oncogênico pode auxiliar na identificação de mulheres sob maior risco de evolução para lesão preneoplásica.

Prevalence and factors associated with coinfection of human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis in adolescents and young women.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis share the same route of sexual transmission and possess similar risk factors, indicating that coinfection may act synergistically in the induction of epithelial cell abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis in adolescents and young women and identify factors associated with coinfection. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included 276 female participants, aged 15-24 years, who were sexually active. Interviews were conducted and cervical specimens were collected for cervical smears and molecular tests. All cervical specimens were tested for 27 human papillomavirus genotypes by polymerase chain reaction amplification and hybridization to a human papillomavirus linear array. Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis was performed by polymerase chain reaction using primers directed to the region encoding the cryptic plasmid. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with coinfection with human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis. The odds ratio, the adjusted odds ratio, and the 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus was 9.1% (95% confidence interval, 5.61-12.4) and 47.1% (95% confidence interval, 41.0-53.2), respectively. The prevalence of coinfection with human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis was 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 3.3-9.2); coinfection with 1 human papillomavirus type was 3.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.5-6.1) and with multiple types was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.0-5.2). The prevalence of cytological abnormalities was 12.3% (95% confidence interval, 8.6-16.79). Human papillomavirus infections of high oncogenic risk were more prevalent (85.4%). Factors independently associated with coinfection of human papillomavirus/Chlamydia trachomatis obtained by multivariate analysis were the initiation of sexual activity under 16 years of age with an an odds ratio of 4.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-23.63; P = .05) and cytological abnormalities with an odds ratio of 10.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-59.5; P = .01), which indicates there is risk for the detection of cytological abnormalities in adolescents and young women coinfected with human papillomavirus/Chlamydia trachomatis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of coinfection among our study population was of a magnitude that warrants attention by public health services. Adolescents and young women should be monitored for Chlamydia trachomatis infection and vaccinated against human papillomavirus. The association between cytological abnormalities and coinfection with human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis indicates the potential synergistic role of these infections in carcinogenesis of the cervix.

Programa de cáncer de cérvix en el Policlínico Tula Aguilera Céspedes de Camagüey, Cuba (2012-2014) / Cervical Cancer Program at Tula Aguilera Cespedes Policlinic in Camagüey (2012-2014)

Introducción: el programa cubano de diagnóstico precoz del cáncer cervicouterino plantea entre sus objetivos: Disminuir la mortalidad y conocer la morbilidad por cáncer de cuello uterino, mediante su detección en su etapa más temprana posible, lo que permite aplicar una terapéutica precoz y eficaz. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento del programa de cáncer de cérvix durante los últimos tres años. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, durante el período desde enero de 2012 hasta diciembre de 2014, en el policlínico Universitario Tula Aguilera Céspedes del municipio Camagüey, Cuba. El universo estuvo constituido por 8 599 tomas de citología que era el plan a realizar. Se trabajó con 8 018 tomas de citologías realizadas en el periodo, incluyendo citologías que se volvieron a realizar y casos nuevos. Los datos se obtuvieron del libro de registro de citologías del área y de las tarjetas de las féminas con resultados positivos en la citología. Se confeccionó una hoja de vaciamiento que se convirtió en el registro definitivo de la investigación. Se determinaron estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: hubo un cumplimiento del plan por encima de 90 por ciento, la mayoría de las muestras fueron citologías que se volvieron a realizar, una minoría resultó positiva. Predominaron lesiones de alto grado NIC II, hubo calidad en la toma de las muestras y correlación entre el resultado citológico e histológico. Conclusiones: el programa y su ejecución son indispensables para el diagnóstico precoz de la afección(AU)

Introduction: The Cuban program for early diagnosis of cervical cancer poses among its objectives to reduce mortality and know morbidity from cervical cancer by detection at the earliest possible stage, allowing to apply early and effective treatment. Objective: Characterize the behavior of Cervical Cancer Program during the last three years. Methods: Adescriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted during from January 2012 to December 2014, at Tula Aguilera Cespedes University Polyclinic in Camagüey, Cuba. The universe consisted of 8,599 cytology smears that was our plan. We worked with 8,018 smear tests performed in the period, including repeated cytology and new cases. The data were obtained from the cytology logbook of the area and from the cards with positive results in cytology. A data sheet is constructed and it became the definitive record of this investigation, and descriptive statistics were determined. Results: There was a fulfillment of the plan above 90 percent, most of the samples were cytology that were perform again, a minority was positive. High-grade lesions CIN II predominated, there was quality in making samples and correlation between cytological and histological results. Conclusions: The program and its implementation are essential for early diagnosis of this condition(AU)

Rationale and design of a long term follow-up study of women who did and did not receive HPV 16/18 vaccination in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica Vaccine Trial (CVT) was a randomized clinical trial conducted between 2004 and 2010, which randomized 7466 women aged 18 to 25 to receive the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine or control Hepatitis-A vaccine. Participants were followed for 4 years with cross-over vaccination at the study end. In 2010 the long term follow-up (LTFU) study was initiated to evaluate the 10-year impact of HPV-16/18 vaccination, determinants of the immune response, and HPV natural history in a vaccinated population. Herein, the rationale, design and methods of the LTFU study are described, which actively follows CVT participants in the HPV-arm 6 additional years at biennial intervals (3 additional study visits for 10 years of total follow-up), or more often if clinically indicated. According to the initial commitment, women in the Hepatitis-A arm were offered HPV vaccination at cross-over; they were followed 2 additional years and exited from the study. 92% of eligible CVT women accepted participation in LTFU. To provide underlying rates of HPV acquisition and cervical disease among unvaccinated women to compare with the HPV-arm during LTFU, a new unvaccinated control group (UCG) of women who are beyond the age generally recommended for routine vaccination was enrolled, and will be followed by cervical cancer screening over 6 years. To form the UCG, 5000 women were selected from a local census, of whom 2836 women (61% of eligible women) agreed to participate. Over 90% of participants complied with an interview, blood and cervical specimen collection. Evaluation of comparability between the original (Hepatitis-A arm of CVT) and new (UCG) control groups showed that women's characteristics, as well as their predicted future risk for cervical HPV acquisition, were similar, thus validating use of the UCG. LTFU is poised to comprehensively address many important questions related to long-term effects of prophylactic HPV vaccines.

Oral and cervical HPV infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women attending a sexual health clinic in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of HPV infections in the oral and cervical mucosa of HIV-positive and HIV-negative women attending a sexual health clinic. METHODS: One-hundred HIV-positive women and 100 HIV-negative women were recruited from a sexual health clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. All participants were given an oral and cervical examination. Cytologic samples were evaluated via HPV DNA test. RESULTS: In oral samples, HPV DNA was observed in 11 women from the HIV-positive group and 2 from the HIV-negative group. High-risk HPV subtypes were prevalent in both groups and no difference between groups was detected. HPV DNA was detected in cervical scrapings from 41 HIV-positive women and 45 HIV-negative women (P=0.67). No participants showed oral lesions, whereas 15 HIV-positive and 17 HIV-negative women presented with macroscopic genital lesions. CONCLUSION: HPV is detected more often in cervical scrapings than in oral samples. However, HPV oral shedding is more frequent in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative individuals. Concurrence of infection (high and low risk) was not observed in oral and cervical mucosa.

The impact of glucocorticoids and anti-cd20 therapy on cervical human papillomavirus infection risk in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with cervical human papillomavirus infection in women with systemic lupus erythematosus METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected traditional and systemic lupus erythematosus-related disease risk factors, including conventional and biologic therapies. A gynecological evaluation and cervical cytology screen were performed. Human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were undertaken by PCR and linear array assay. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were included, with a mean age and disease duration of 42.5±11.8 years and 9.7±5.3 years, respectively. The prevalence of squamous intraepithelial lesions was 6.8%. The prevalence of human papillomavirus infection was 29%, with human papillomavirus subtype 59 being the most frequent. Patients with human papillomavirus were younger than those without the infection (38.2±11.2 vs. 44.2±11.5 years, respectively; p = 0.05), and patients with the virus had higher daily prednisone doses (12.8±6.8 vs. 9.7±6.7 mg, respectively; p = 0.01) and cumulative glucocorticoid doses (14.2±9.8 vs. 9.7±7.3 g, respectively; p = 0.005) compared with patients without. Patients with human papillomavirus infection more frequently received rituximab than those without (20.9% vs. 8.5%, respectively; p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis, only the cumulative glucocorticoid dose was associated with human papillomavirus infection. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative glucocorticoid dose may increase the risk of human papillomavirus infection. Although rituximab administration was more frequent in patients with human papillomavirus infection, no association was found. Screening for human papillomavirus infection is recommended in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. .

Prevalence, genotype profile and risk factors for multiple human papillomavirus cervical infection in unimmunized female adolescents in Goiânia, Brazil: a community-based study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of infection with multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) types in female adolescents is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the epidemiology of infection with multiple HPV types in adolescents and its association with demographic, behavioral and biological variables, as well as with cytological abnormalities. METHODS: This community-based study included 432 sexually active females between 15 and 19 years of age. Genotyping for 30 HPV types was performed using a reverse blot strip assay/restriction fragment length polymorphism. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors significantly associated with HPV infection. The association between HPV infection and cytological abnormalities was calculated using a prevalence ratio. RESULTS: The most common HPV types detected were 16, 51, 31, 52 and 18. Of the 121 HPV-positive women, 54 (44.6%) were infected with multiple HPV types. Having more than one lifetime sexual partner was associated with infection with any HPV infection, single HPV infection, and infection with multiple HPV types. The presence of cytological abnormalities was associated with infection with multiple HPV types. CONCLUSIONS: Co-infecting HPV genotypes occur in a high proportion of sexually active adolescents. Socio-demographic or sexual behavior factors associated with single HPV infection were similar to those associated with multiple HPV types. The higher risk of cytological abnormalities conferred by infection with multiple HPV types suggests a potential role of co-infection in the natural history of HPV infection.

Human papillomavirus infection and spontaneous abortion: a case-control study performed in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if HPV cervical infection is associated with spontaneous abortion in a Mexican population. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study including 281 women from two Social Security Hospitals in Merida, Mexico. Cases were women with spontaneous abortion attending for curettage, and controls were pregnant women at term who attended for delivery. HPV molecular detection and typing of HPV 16, 18, 58 and 6/11 was performed on cervical samples, and TORCH serology IgM tests (against T. gondii, CMV, HSV) were performed on cases. Data were analyzed using Chi square, odds ratio and linear regression tests. RESULTS: HPV global prevalence was 19.8% (24.4% in cases and 15.2% in controls). HPV types 16 and 58 were the most frequently detected in both groups. Multiple HPV types concurrent infection were found in 31.4% of typified samples. Amongst cases 27.3% of HPV positive women reported at least one previous pregnancy loss; compared to 17.43% amongst HPV negative women. Nevertheless, HPV was not significantly associated with spontaneous or to repetitive abortion. Cases were 60.2% positive to any TORCH agent, although it was not significantly associated to referred miscarriage history. Spontaneous abortion was associated to a previous pregnancy loss and to women's age older than 35 years old. HPV infection was significantly associated to alcohol intake before pregnancy and to multiple sexual partners. CONCLUSION: HPV cervical infection was not associated with spontaneous abortion. HPV in spontaneous abortion and other adverse pregnancy outcomes merits further study.

Human papillomavirus infection in women in Puerto Rico: agreement between physician-collected and self-collected anogenital specimens.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and concordance between cervical and anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and compare cervicovaginal and anal self-collection methods for HPV testing between physician and self-collected specimens in women in Puerto Rico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens for HPV-DNA testing were obtained from 100 women aged 18 to 34 years attending a general gynecology clinic for a routine Pap smear. Human papillomavirus testing was performed using polymerase chain reaction MY09/MY11 primers. Positive samples were typed for 39 genotypes. Agreement between sampling methods was determined by percent agreement and the κ statistic. RESULTS: For the 39 genotypes evaluated, 38.4% (38/99) of cervicovaginal and 33.7% (30/89) of anal physician-collected samples were HPV+, whereas 35.1% (34/97) of cervicovaginal and 32.0% (31/97) of anal self-collected samples were positive. Human papillomavirus type 16 was the most common type identified in the cervix (8.3%, 8/97) and the anus (5.6%, 5/89) of physician-collected samples, with similar prevalence in self-collected samples. Concordance between cervical and anal HPV infection was high (>90%) for all types evaluated. There was a strong percent agreement between physician- and self-collected cervicovaginal and anal samples (>95% for all HPV types) and good to excellent agreement (κ > 0.60) for most HPV types. CONCLUSIONS: The clinic-based prevalence of anal and cervicovaginal HPV infection was high, with a strong concordance between cervical and anal infection and good to excellent agreement between physician- and self-collected samples. This study supports the feasibility of using cervical and anal self-sampling methods in future population-based studies of HPV infection in Puerto Rico and as an HPV screening method in women.

Incidence of genital warts in adolescents and their association with cervical intraepithelial lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of genital warts in adolescents and analyze their relationship with the development of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). STUDY DESIGN: From 1993 to 2006 we followed 846 adolescents in the gynecology clinic of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. They were sexually active, had a normal smear test and no genital warts upon recruitment and completed two years of follow-up. Data were analyzed using EPI-INFO software. The research was approved by the hospital Ethics Committee. RESULTS: The mean age at recruitment was 15.8 ± 1.4 years and at first intercourse was 14.7 ± 1.6. Sixty-three (7.4%) adolescents presented condylomata, 5.6% (48/846) during the first year of sexual activity and 1.8% (15/846) during the second year. Within two years, 20.5% (174/846) of the patients had an abnormal smear test. Seventy percent (44/63) of the patients with genital warts developed a SIL. The association between warts and SIL showed a RR=4.2(3.3-5.3). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of condylomata was one third of the incidence of SIL and was higher during the first than in the second year of sexual activity. Adolescents with genital warts had a fourfold increase in risk of SIL and therefore should be carefully followed up.

The impact of glucocorticoids and anti-cd20 therapy on cervical human papillomavirus infection risk in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with cervical human papillomavirus infection in women with systemic lupus erythematosus METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected traditional and systemic lupus erythematosus-related disease risk factors, including conventional and biologic therapies. A gynecological evaluation and cervical cytology screen were performed. Human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were undertaken by PCR and linear array assay. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were included, with a mean age and disease duration of 42.5±11.8 years and 9.7±5.3 years, respectively. The prevalence of squamous intraepithelial lesions was 6.8%. The prevalence of human papillomavirus infection was 29%, with human papillomavirus subtype 59 being the most frequent. Patients with human papillomavirus were younger than those without the infection (38.2±11.2 vs. 44.2±11.5 years, respectively; p = 0.05), and patients with the virus had higher daily prednisone doses (12.8±6.8 vs. 9.7±6.7 mg, respectively; p = 0.01) and cumulative glucocorticoid doses (14.2±9.8 vs. 9.7±7.3 g, respectively; p = 0.005) compared with patients without. Patients with human papillomavirus infection more frequently received rituximab than those without (20.9% vs. 8.5%, respectively; p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis, only the cumulative glucocorticoid dose was associated with human papillomavirus infection. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative glucocorticoid dose may increase the risk of human papillomavirus infection. Although rituximab administration was more frequent in patients with human papillomavirus infection, no association was found. Screening for human papillomavirus infection is recommended in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis endocervical infection in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and evaluation of the risk for HPV-induced lesions.

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted disease. It has been associated with arthritis and it is a risk factor for human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced lesions. There are few studies on the frequency of CT infection among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endocervical CT infection among SLE patients and evaluate whether or not CT infection is a risk factor for HPV-induced lesions. A cross-sectional study included a group of patients who fulfilled the American College Rheumatology criteria for a definite diagnosis of SLE and a control group of non-SLE female individuals from Bahia, Brazil. Polymerase chain reaction was used on endocervical swab specimens to test for CT; a gynecological examination including a cervical cytology and biopsy was done for the identification of HPV lesions. A total of 105 SLE patients were studied, and the control group was composed of 104 age-matched apparently normal women. The prevalence of CT endocervical infection was 3.0 % [confidence interval (CI) 95 % = 0.6-8.0 %] in the SLE group and 5.0 % (95 % CI = 2.0-11.0 %) in the control group; the prevalence ratio was 0.60 (95 % CI = 0.1-2.5). The prevalence of vulvar condyloma was higher among SLE patients (11.0 vs. 1.0 %, p < 0.001), as were the prevalences of low-grade lesion (12.0 vs. 1.0 %, p < 0.001) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (9.0 vs. 1.0 %, p = 0.02). There was no association between the presence of HPV lesions and CT infections. However, the small number of patients with CT prevents a definite conclusion from being drawn. The prevalence of endocervical CT infection in women with SLE is low and similar to that of the normal population. This suggests that this infection has no role in the pathogenesis of SLE or the development of HPV-induced lesions.

Prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus infection in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Genital infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) tends to occur more frequently in patients with conditions associated with immune suppression. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immunological disorder characterized by generalized inflammation and a number of clinical manifestations and circulating autoantibodies. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of genital HPV infection among female SLE patients. Women diagnosed with SLE based on American College of Rheumatology classification criteria followed at rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saude Publica, Salvador, Brazil, were included in the study. As a comparison group, clinically healthy women who were attending the gynecology outpatient clinic for routine examination at the same institution were recruited. Testing for cervical HPV infection was performed using the nested polymerase chain reaction technique. Eighty-eight female SLE patients (mean age, 41.4 ± 11.6 years) and seventy healthy female subjects (control group) were studied. The prevalence of HPV infection was 80.7 % (71/88) in the SLE group and 35.7 % (25/70) in the control group (p < 0.0001). After adjustment of the variables (early sexual activity, number of partners and obstetric history), the odds ratio (OR) for genital HPV infection in women with SLE was 7.2 (95 % CI, 2.9 to 17.8; p = 0.0001). The use of immunosuppressive drugs was not associated with a higher prevalence of HPV infection. This study demonstrated that SLE patients have a higher prevalence of genital HPV infection, even when exposed to less potential risk factors for the virus.

Hysteroscopic findings in patients with post-menstrual spotting with prior cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To identify uterine hysteroscopic findings among patients with prior cesarean section and whom had post-menstrual bleeding spotting type. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive and prospective study between June 2008 and December 2009 involving women admitted to our clinic in Ji-Paraná (RO), Brazil, and who complained of prolonged genital bleeding after menstrual period. A total of 20 women with the simultaneous following characteristics were selected: at least one prior cesarean section, aged between 18 and 45 years, no use of hormonal contraceptives, and no history of uterine surgery that could change the cavity anatomy. All participants underwent a hysteroscopic examination. RESULTS: During hysteroscopy, in 90% of the patients, the presence of a cesarean section scar was observed in the last third of the cervix. This scarring causes an anomaly in the uterine cavity anatomy, characterized by the viewing of an enlargement followed by a retraction of the anterior wall, which affords the presence of a pseudocavity with depth and lumen narrowing in variable degrees. Two patients did not present the pseudocavity. CONCLUSION: Pseudocavities in cesarean section scar are usually found in hysteroscopic examination of patients with prior cesarean section and abnormal uterine spotting.

Evidence of a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HTLV-1-infected women: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: HTLV-1 infection increases susceptibility to other infections. Few studies have addressed the co-infection between HPV and HTLV-1 and the immune response involved in this interaction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cervical HPV infection in HTLV-1-infected women and to establish the risk factors involved in this co-infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Salvador, Brazil, between September 2005 and December 2008, involving 50 HTLV-1-infected women from the HTLV Reference Center and 40 uninfected patients from gynecological clinic, both at the Bahiana School of Medicine. HPV infection was assessed using hybrid capture. HTLV-1 proviral load was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The mean age of HTLV-1-infected women (38 ± 10 years) was similar to that of the control group (36 ± 13 years). The prevalence of HPV infection was 44% in the HTLV-1-infected group and 22.5% in uninfected women (p = 0.03). HTLV-1-infected women had lower mean age at onset of sexual life (17 ± 3 years versus 19 ± 3 years; p = 0.03) and greater number of lifetime partners compared with the control group (4 ± 3 versus 2 ± 1; p < 0.01). In the group of HTLV-1-infected patients, there was neither difference in HTLV-1 proviral load between HPV-infected women and the uninfected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV infection was higher in HTLV-1-infected women. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the progression of this co-infection.

Evidence of a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HTLV-1-infected women: a cross-sectional study / Evidência de maior prevalência de infecção pelo HPV em mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1: um estudo de corte transversal

INTRODUCTION:HTLV-1 infection increases susceptibility to other infections. Few studies have addressed the co-infection between HPV and HTLV-1 and the immune response involved in this interaction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cervical HPV infection in HTLV-1-infected women and to establish the risk factors involved in this co-infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Salvador, Brazil, between September 2005 and December 2008, involving 50 HTLV-1-infected women from the HTLV Reference Center and 40 uninfected patients from gynecological clinic, both at the Bahiana School of Medicine. HPV infection was assessed using hybrid capture. HTLV-1 proviral load was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The mean age of HTLV-1-infected women (38 ± 10 years) was similar to that of the control group (36 ± 13 years). The prevalence of HPV infection was 44% in the HTLV-1-infected group and 22.5% in uninfected women (p = 0.03). HTLV-1-infected women had lower mean age at onset of sexual life (17 ± 3 years versus 19 ± 3 years; p = 0.03) and greater number of lifetime partners compared with the control group (4 ± 3 versus 2 ± 1; p < 0.01). In the group of HTLV-1-infected patients, there was neither difference in HTLV-1 proviral load between HPV-infected women and the uninfected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV infection was higher in HTLV-1-infected women. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the progression of this co-infection.

INTRODUÇÃO:A infecção pelo HTLV-1 aumenta a susceptibilidade para outras infecções. Poucos estudos avaliaram a co-infecção entre HPV/HTLV-1 e a resposta imune envolvida nesta interação. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar a prevalência de infecção cervical pelo HPV em mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 e estabelecer os fatores de risco envolvidos nesta co-infecção. MÉTODOS: Um estudo de corte transversal foi conduzido em Salvador, Brasil, entre setembro de 2005 e dezembro de 2008, envolvendo 50 mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1, acompanhadas no Centro de Referência de HTLV e 40 mulheres não infectadas, acompanhadas no Serviço de Ginecologia, ambos na Escola Bahiana de Medicina. A infecção pelo HPV foi confirmada pela Captura Híbrida. A carga proviral do HTLV-1 foi quantificada pelo PCR em tempo real. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 (38±10 anos) foi semelhante ao do grupo controle (36±13 anos). A prevalência de infecção pelo HPV foi 44% nas mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 e de 22,5% no grupo controle (p=0,03). Mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1 informaram menor idade de início de vida sexual (17±3 anos versus 19±3 anos; p=0,03) e maior número de parceiros sexuais, em relação ao grupo controle (4±3 versus 2±1; p<0,01). No grupo de mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1, não se observou diferença entre a carga proviral do HTLV-1 entre as mulheres infectadas pelo HPV e as não infectadas. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de infecção pelo HPV foi maior em mulheres infectadas pelo HTLV-1. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar a progressão desta co-infecção.

Hysteroscopic findings in patients with post-menstrual spotting with prior cesarean section / Achados histeroscópicos em pacientes com sangramento pós-menstrual tipo escape com cesárea anterior

Objective: To identify uterine hysteroscopic findings among patients with prior cesarean section and whom had post-menstrual bleeding spotting type. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and prospective study between June 2008 and December 2009 involving women admitted to our clinic in Ji-Paraná (RO), Brazil, and who complained of prolonged genital bleeding after menstrual period. A total of 20 women with the simultaneous following characteristics were selected: at least one prior cesarean section, aged between 18 and 45 years, no use of hormonal contraceptives, and no history of uterine surgery that could change the cavity anatomy. All participants underwent a hysteroscopic examination. Results: During hysteroscopy, in 90% of the patients, the presence of a cesarean section scar was observed in the last third of the cervix. This scarring causes an anomaly in the uterine cavity anatomy, characterized by the viewing of an enlargement followed by a retraction of the anterior wall, which affords the presence of a pseudocavity with depth and lumen narrowing in variable degrees. Two patients did not present the pseudocavity. Conclusion: Pseudocavities in cesarean section scar are usually found in hysteroscopic examination of patients with prior cesarean section and abnormal uterine spotting.

Objetivo: Identificar os achados histeroscópicos uterino em grupo de pacientes com operação cesariana anterior e sangramento pós-menstrual tipo escape. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e prospectivo, com mulheres que compareceram em consultório em Ji-Paraná (RO), entre junho de 2008 e dezembro de 2009, com queixa de sangramento genital prolongado tipo escape após período menstrual. Destas, foram selecionadas 20 mulheres que apresentavam, simultaneamente, as seguintes características: ao menos uma cesárea prévia; idade entre 18 e 45 anos; sem uso de método anticoncepcional hormonal; e ausência de qualquer outra cirurgia uterina capaz de alterar a anatomia da cavidade. As pacientes selecionadas foram submetidas a exame histeroscópico. Resultados: À histeroscopia, em 90% das pacientes, observou-se, no terço final do colo, a presença da cicatriz de cesárea. Essa cicatriz causa, no interior da cavidade uterina, uma anomalia em sua anatomia, caracterizada pela visualização, na parede anterior, de uma dilatação seguida de retração, que proporciona a presença de pseudocavidade com profundidade e oclusão da luz em graus variáveis. Já em duas pacientes, não foi detectada a pseudocavidade. Conclusão: A pseudocavidade na cicatriz da cesariana é o achado mais freqüente à observação histeroscópica em pacientes com cesárea prévia e sangramento uterino anormal pós-menstrual tipo escape.