[Recurrent respiratory papillomatoses despite vaccination]

Abstract

Background: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP, also known as laryngeal papillomatosis) is a debilitating chronic disease induced by a human papilloma virus (HPV). Wart-like lesions develop in the airways. Patients suffer from dysphonia, coughing and ultimately dyspnea. There is no curative treatment. Recurrent surgical intervention is necessary to keep the airways free of disease.

Case report: We describe a 25-year-old woman who developed RRP, despite having been vaccinated according to the national vaccination program. She underwent 11 surgeries in the past 5 years.

Conclusion: RRP is an invalidating disease, necessitating repeated surgical interventions. Despite worldwide use and availability of adequate preventive HPV vaccines against this disease, the Dutch government choose to use a vaccine which does not prevent against this chronic disease.