Objective: To investigate the correlation between the development of low grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (LCIN) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in cases with long-term follow-up.
Study design: Forty-three cases of LCIN were followed for more than five years with cytology, colposcopy and Vira Pap. Coexistence of HPV infection was sought using a simplified HPV detection kit, the Vira Pap method (Dot Blot hybridization).
Results: Regressive disease was noted in 21 cases, and persistent and progressive disease was noted in 22 cases. HPV DNA was negative in 81% (17 of 21) of regressive disease and positive in 55% (12 of 22) persistent and progressive disease. LCIN had disappeared in 17 (63%) of 27 cases negative for HPV DNA and was persistent or progressive in 12 (75%) of 16 cases positive for HPV DNA.
Conclusion: The clinical course of LCIN correlates well with HPV infection.