Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective study partial genotyping of human papilloma viruses (HPV) using the Abbott RealTime HighRisk HPV Test (RealTime) was compared with simple HPV detection (Qiagen Hybrid Capture 2 Test; hc2) for recurrence prediction at the first follow-up examination after conization of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). METHODS: 144 women who had undergone conization for CIN between January 2007 and December 2013 were included. HPV status was determined preoperatively and at first follow-up using hc2 in 103 women and RealTime in 41 women. Recurrent or persistent CIN was assumed when CIN2+ was confirmed histologically or on comparable cytology findings. RESULTS: Of the 144 women with complete data 12 (8.3%) had a recurrence after conization. HPV persistence at follow-up correlated significantly with recurrence (hc2: p = 0.003; RealTime: p = 0.003) and both sensitivity and specificity were high (hc2 = 100 and 78.4% respectively; RealTime = 75.0 and 83.9%). Whereas isolated HPV testing had a relatively low positive predictive value for recurrence (hc2 16%; RealTime 54.5%), this rose to 80% with HPV 16 detection at follow-up. CONCLUSION: At follow-up after conization of CIN the combination of high risk HPV detection and partial genotyping of HPV 16 constitutes excellent diagnostic criteria for recurrence/persistence of CIN.