HPV infection is on the rise in teens and typically transient—yet it still raises the risk of dysplasia. The authors offer evidence-based yet practical guidelines for this management challenge.
The role of HPV
When to screen?
The goal of cervical cancer screening is to identify significant preinvasive lesions and prevent development of invasive cervical cancer. Age 18 has traditionally been accepted as the time to start cytologic screening, but recent consensus panels have recommended initiating screening later. The benchmark now is 3 years after the onset of sexual activity, but not later than age 21.12-14 This recommendation is based on the natural history of HPV infection and the rarity of cervical cancer in adolescents. The incidence of cervical cancer is 0 per 100,000 per year in girls aged 10 to 14 and 1.7 per 100,000 for those aged 15 to 19, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.15 Earlier screening is unlikely to add additional benefit and may lead to overtreatment of lesions that would spontaneously regress.
Unlocking HPV prevention: Insights from 2022 data on vaccination trends
May 14th 2024Explore the latest findings revealing vaccination rates among children aged 9 to 17 years, uncovering demographic disparities and highlighting the crucial role of vaccination in combating human papillomavirus infections and related health risks.
Read More
Prenatal cannabis and nicotine use linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes
May 14th 2024A recent study highlights the heightened risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with combined cannabis and nicotine use during pregnancy, urging further investigation into their impact on short- and long-term outcomes.
Read More
Understanding pediatric STIs: Trends, management, and more
May 10th 2024Dive into the rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults, exploring educational gaps, vaccination rates, and the imperative need for open conversations between patients and health care providers to combat stigma and enhance preventive care.
Read More
No link found between antenatal corticosteroids and child neurodevelopment
April 25th 2024A recent study found no link between antenatal corticosteroid administration and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children aged 6 years or older, offering reassurance for late preterm delivery practices.
Read More