Papillomavirus infection and preterm birth. Chronicle of a broken relationship? Case series and review of the literature

Abstract

HPV infection is widespread. Approximately 40 HPV serotypes infect ano-genital area, but most infections are asymptomatic and can get cleared spontaneously. HPV clearance is modified during pregnancy. Many information have been published about HPV infection and preterm birth, unfortunately the results are often not corresponding. The aim of this study was to understand whether there is an association between HPV infection and preterm birth. In our study we reported results about 20 pregnant women admitted for preterm birth. We assessed if and how papillomavirus cervical infection affects pregnancy outcome. HPV prevalence in pregnant women in this case series was 45% (9/20), while 55% pregnant women were found HPV-negative (11/20). There was no difference between HPV positive group and HPV negative group in terms of gestational age at delivery, neonatal weight, Apgar score. Our data, even though from a very small series, confirm the absence of different outcomes due to HPV infection. It has been reported that women with H-SIL have a higher baseline risk for PTB than general population and treatment for H-SIL probably increase this risk further. The research on HPV and PTB should go straight to this direction.

Keywords

• papilloma virus
• hpv infection
• pregnancy
• preterm birth
• p-prom