HPV infection and number of lifetime sexual partners are strong predictors for ‘natural’ regression of CIN 2 and 3

2003

HPV Infection and Sexual Partners Predict Cervical Dysplasia Regression

Sample size: 93 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chan J K, Monk B J, Brewer C, Keefe K A, Osann K, McMeekin S, Rose G S, Youssef M, Wilczynski S P, Meyskens F L, Berman M L

Primary Institution: University of California, Irvine Medical Center

Hypothesis

HPV infection and the number of lifetime sexual partners are predictors for the natural regression of CIN 2 and 3.

Conclusion

The study found that HPV infection and a higher number of lifetime sexual partners are associated with lower rates of regression in high-grade cervical dysplasia.

Supporting Evidence

The overall regression rate was 52%, with 58% of CIN 2 lesions and 47% of CIN 3 lesions regressing.
80% of lesions without detectable HPV regressed compared to only 46% of those infected with HPV.
Absence of persistent HPV infection and having five or fewer sexual partners were significant predictors for regression.

Takeaway

Women with fewer sexual partners and no HPV infection are more likely to see their cervical dysplasia go away on its own.

Methodology

The study was a 6-month ancillary study of a 2-year randomized controlled trial, analyzing various predictors for regression of untreated CIN 2 and 3.