HAART use in women with HIV and influence on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a clinical opinion

Abstract

Objectives: Study the role of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in cervical disease in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Materials and methods: A systematic review of current literature and the results summarized in the following headings: HIV and cytological evidence of disease, HIV and HPV, and HAART and HIV in women with HPV-associated cervical disease.

Results: Limited data is available to study the influence of HAART on HPV-related cervical disease in women with HIV. There is evidence that the use of HAART may lead to immune restoration and thereby prevent severe recurrent HPV disease, thus influencing associated cervical disease.

Conclusions: Little data is available on HAART and its role in HPV-associated cervical disease in women with HIV. Immune restoration may decrease the severity and recurrence of HPV infection and potentially impact cervical disease. Population-based studies are needed to further evaluate the role of HAART in HPV associated cervical disease.