The following is the summary of “Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Patterns Among Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” published in the November 2022 issue of Rheumatology by Chung, et al.
Cervical dysplasia is common in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because human papillomavirus (HPV) infection persists in this population. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to examine the rate of cervical cancer screening in accordance with the SLE-specific guidelines established by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP). In addition, researchers sought to determine what factors are connected with ASCCP adherence for people with SLE. Inclusion criteria stipulated that participants be females enrolled in our institution’s SLE registry between the ages of 21 and 64.
The screening status of the patient, as well as the organization’s guidelines, followed, and other clinical factors, were determined through a manual inspection of the electronic medical record. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for screening in accordance with the ASCCP were estimated for each baseline attribute using multivariable logistic regression. Among the 118 women in the study who have SLE, 38% were up to date with screening as per ASCCP criteria, 16% were up to date with screening as per non-ASCCP guidelines, and 46% were overdue for screening. In addition, there was a positive correlation between having a gynecologist and being up-to-date with the ASCCP guidelines and a negative correlation between being Hispanic and being out-of-date.
In their study, only half of the women with SLE got cervical cancer screenings that matched recommended guidelines. In contrast to SLE disease activity, current immunosuppressive exposure was associated with an enhanced likelihood of compliance with ASCCP recommendations. The results of this study highlight the importance of reaching an agreement among physicians from different fields on how to test for cervical cancer in patients with SLE.
Source: jrheum.org/content/49/11/1236
