Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression and regression among women living with HIV in Zambia

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Cervical screening and precancer treatment are less effective in women living with HIV (WLWH) than in women without HIV. We assessed high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and cervical disease progression among screened WLWH in Zambia.

Methods: Participants underwent visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), HR-HPV testing and cervical biopsies at baseline and at follow-up 30-36 months later. Women with positive VIA results or high-grade histology were offered treatment. We assessed HR-HPV and cervical disease prevalence at both timepoints and used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with cervical disease progression and regression.

Results: Among 241 included women, HR-HPV prevalence declined from 44% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39%-49%) at baseline to 24% (95% CI: 19%-31%) at follow-up. High-grade disease decreased from 25% (95% CI: 20%-31%) to 9% (95% CI: 5%-13%). In analyses adjusted for age, CD4 cell count, HIV RNA viral load, HR-HPV infection and histological results at baseline, precancer treatment was associated with increased odds of disease regression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.08-7.06) and reduced odds of progression (aOR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.11-1.64). One-third of women with high-grade disease at follow-up (7/21) had previously undergone precancer treatment.

Conclusions: Cervical screening and precancer treatment are key to reducing cervical disease progression among WLWH and ultimately achieving cervical cancer elimination, but efforts to improve treatment effectiveness among WLWH must be balanced with the risk of overtreatment.