Does HPV-status 6–12 months after treatment of high grade dysplasia in the uterine cervix predict long term recurrence?

BackgroundWomen once treated for high grade cervical dysplasia have a high long term risk for developing new dysplasia or cancer.ObjectivesTo investigate if human papilloma virus (HPV)-negativity after treatment of cervical dysplasia reduces the need for frequent long term follow up.DesignCase/control study based on archival smears.MethodsWomen with cervical intraepithelial neoplasi (CIN)2-3, treated for dysplasia and with recurrence of CIN2+ more than 2 years after treatment were compared with controls without recurrence, matched for age and date of treatment. High risk-HPV-DNA were analysed with PCR from two archival smears per woman. Mean follow up time was 14.6 years.Results24% (45/189) of cases and 11% (43/378) of controls were HPV-positive in any of two smears. Odds ratio (OR) = 2.5 (1.6–3.8).ConclusionHPV-status 6–12 months after treatment of high grade dysplasia is of limited value for the design of long term follow up.