Evaluation of the Risk Factors Associated with Post-conisation HPV Persistence during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) persistence after excision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A retrospective design was performed involving 171 patients who were analyzed regarding hrHPV clearance after conisation or LEEP. The clinicopathological findings, vaccination for COVID-19, history of SARS-CoV-2, or taking medication for SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first postoperative HPV test were evaluated. Results: The rate of preoperative high-risk HPV type, including HPV 16 and/or HPV 18, was 56% of the patients (n=96). The post-excision hrHPV persistence rate was 30.4 % during the 6–36 months follow-up period. 76.6% of patients had their first after-excision HPV test between 6 and 12 months. The total surgical margin was positive in 15 (8.8%) patients. The rate of vaccination, positivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection history, and taking medication for COVID-19 infection were 35.1% (n:60), 15.8% (n:27), and 9.4% (n:16), respectively. The rate of smoking was 35.7%. None of the evaluated factors were significantly related to HPV persistence after excision. Conclusion: No risk factors related to post-excisional HPV persistence were determined amongst age, clinic-pathological factors, vaccination for COVID-19, history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or taking medication for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.