Cytological regression and clearance of high-risk human papillomavirus in women with an abnormal cervical smear

Lancet. 2001 Nov 24;358(9295):1782-3. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06809-X.

Abstract

We studied the natural course of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cytological regression in women referred for colposcopy because of abnormal cervical smears. We found that high-risk HPV clearance preceded regression of cervical lesions by an average of 3 months. The cumulative 1-year rate of cytological regression was similar in women with mild and moderate dyskaryotic cervical smears. Thus, retesting of high-risk HPV after 6 months in women with mild to moderate dyskaryosis predicts cytological regression.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Colposcopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomaviridae / isolation & purification*
  • Time Factors
  • Vaginal Smears*