Impact of a High-Resolution Anoscopy Clinic on Management of Anal Dysplasia in Women Living With HIV

Abstract

Background The rate of anal squamous cell cancer (aSCC) is increasing among women living with HIV. Treatment of precursor high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) may reduce the risk of progression to aSCC. The objective of this study was to examine effects of a dedicated high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) clinic on management of HSIL in women with HIV. Methods Women living with HIV who underwent anal dysplasia screening at a single institution between 2006 and 2020 were reviewed. Those who underwent screening before (Group A) and after (Group B) the implementation of an HRA program in 2017 were compared. The primary outcome of interest was the successful detection and treatment of HSIL. Results A total of 201 women living with HIV underwent anal dysplasia screening between 2006 and 2020. Seventy-seven patients were found to have abnormal anal cytology requiring further treatment: 43 (55.8%) in Group A and 34 (44.2%) patients in Group B. Of the patients with abnormal anal cytology, 76.7% of patients in Group A received further biopsy and treatment, whereas 79.4% of Group B patients underwent subsequent biopsy and treatment. In propensity score weighting logistic regression analysis, the Group B was 4.6 times as likely to diagnosis HSIL on biopsy compared to Group A (OR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.15 to 18.38, P = .03). Conclusions Anal dysplasia is common among women living with HIV. The establishment of a HRA program was associated with increased identification and treatment of HSIL among women living with HIV, which may prevent the progression to aSCC.