Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is an uncommon clinical disorder of the respiratory epithelium caused by HPV. It shares an identical viral etiology with genital condyloma and, in all likelihood, is transmitted at the time of birth (juvenile onset RRP) or through intimate sexual contact (adult onset RRP). Despite the precision of the surgical laser under magnification of the operating microscope, a substantial proportion of patients with RRP, adults as well as pediatric, require repeated operations at frequent intervals because of severe hoarseness and upper airway obstruction. For the management of at least a subset of patients, the efficacy of adjuvant agents (interferon is a leading choice) should be investigated in a multi-institutional clinical trial. For the potential prophylactic benefit, cesarean sections in selected high-risk expectant mothers should be considered.