Abstract
Background and Aims Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its treatment predispose to infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) that is a risk factor for the development of lower genital tract (LGT) and anal cancers.
To assess LGT- anal lesions, frequency of HPV lesions and premalignant and malignant lesions.
Methods Descriptive, cross-sectional design. Women with SLE (ACR 1997) of Argentina were consecutively sent to examination of the LGT and high-resolution anoscopy (2010–2015). Biopsies were performed according to gynaecological criteria and patient consent (Bethesda). Koilocytic cells were associated with HPV. Three Socioeconomic status (SES) groups were established (Graffar).
EditorResults 73 SLE patients and 104 healthy control were included. Table 1: Demographics characteristics.
SLE patients 25/73 (34.3%) had HPV versus 6/104 (5.8%) in the control group (p=0.00).
In the SLE-HPV were found statistically significant differences in: low SES, sexual partners≥5, antiDNA+ and low complement and a trend to low educational level (p=0,07).
At check data the average dose of steroids was 10.8 Mg/d (SLE-HPV) vs 2.9 Mg/d in without HPV (p=0.00) while 61% (HPV group) vs 29% (without HPV) were receiving immunosupressors (IS) (Table 2)
Non-differences were found related to duration of SLE, smoking, beginning of sexual intercourse, condom use and anal or oral intercourse.
gynecological abnormalities
Conclusions The frequency of HPV was high in women with SLE. We remark oligo/asymptomatic HPV and its association with low SES, serological activity and treatment.
As we detected a high frequency of sole anal lesions we highlight the anoscopy regardless of symptoms.
