Alterações em exames citopatológicos realizados em Unidade Básica de Saúde: um estudo analítico transversal / Alterations in cytopathological tests performed in a Basic Health Unit: a cross-cutting analytical study

Objetivo: Com o presente estudo, buscou-se verificar a quantidade de exames de colpocitologia oncótica coletados em Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) escolhida, determinar quantas e quais são as alterações encontradas nesses exames e quais foram as condutas e acompanhamentos realizados em pacientes com exames alterados. Métodos: Foram analisados 446 exames de colpocitologia oncótica realizados em uma UBS do centro-oeste do Paraná. As pacientes com exame alterado foram selecionadas e foi feita uma análise desses prontuários a fim de verificar a conduta e o acompanhamento dessas pacientes. Resultados: Foram encontrados 32 exames com alterações, sendo três de uma mesma paciente. Dessas 30 pacientes, a grande maioria correspondia a células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado (ASC-US), possivelmente não neoplásicas, e 28 pacientes retornaram para receber uma conduta inicial, sendo principalmente o encaminhamento para a coleta de novo preventivo em seis meses ao serviço de oncologia clínica. Conclusão: O presente estudo concluiu que a hipótese principal foi verdadeira, a qual foi descrita como prevalência significativa de lesões intraepiteliais de alto grau, embora não seja a mais frequente, e descontinuidade por parte das pacientes que obtiveram esse resultado. Além disso, notou-se grande encaminhamento à atenção terciária, o que não é indicado pelo Ministério da Saúde.(AU)

Objective: With the present study, we sought to verify the amount of cytopathological tests collected in the chosen basic health unit, to determine how many and what are the alterations found in these tests and what were the conducts and follow-ups performed in patients with altered exams. Methods: We analyzed 446 preventive tests performed in a basic health unit in the Midwest of Paraná, and patients with altered examination were selected and an analysis of these medical records was made in order to verify the conduct and follow-up of the patients. Results: Thirty-two tests with alterations were performed, 3 of which were the same patient. Of these 30 patients, the vast majority corresponded to atypical cells of squamous meaning ­ possibly non-neoplastic (ASC-US), and 28 patients returned to receive an initial approach, mainly being referred to the collection of preventive new in 6 months and to the clinical oncology service. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the main hypothesis was true, which was described as a significant prevalence of high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), although not the most frequent, and discontinuity on the part of the patients who obtained this result. In addition, there was a large referral to tertiary care, which is not indicated by the Ministry of Health.(AU)

High-risk human papillomavirus testing for triage of women with previous cytological abnormalities from the Vale do Ribeira region / Teste de papilomavírus humano para triagem de mulheres com alterações em citologia anterior provenientes da região do Vale do Ribeira

Abstract Objective To evaluate the performance of the hybrid capture 2 (HC2) high-risk papillomavirus (hrHPV) assay and cytological test in women with previous abnormalities, to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (≥ CIN 2). Methods A cytological test and HC2 (Qiagen, Gaithersburg, Maryland, EUA) for hrHPV were conducted in 359 liquid-based (Sure Path, Becton Dickinson, TriPath Imaging, Burlington, NC, USA) samples collected from women from the Vale do Ribeira Region, during July 2013 and September 2015 with previous cytology classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), and atypical glandular cells (AGC). The histopathological examination was conducted in 179 women. The performance evaluations were calculated using the "exact" Clopper-Pearson 95% confidence interval (CI) test by MEDCALC (Medcalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium). Results The ≥ CIN 2 frequency was 11.7% (21/179). The HC2 for hrHPV and repeat cytology to detect ≥ CIN 2 obtained, respectively, a sensitivity of 90.5% (95% CI = 69.6-98.8) and 90.5%, (95%CI = 69.6-98.8), a specificity of 65.8% (95% CI = 57.9-73.2) and 43.7% (95%CI = 35.8-51.8), a positive predictive value of 26.0% (95% CI = 21.4-31.3) and 17.6%, (95%CI = 14.9-20.6), and a negative predictive value of 98.1% (95%CI = 93.3-99.5) and 97.2% (95% CI = 90.1-99.2). Conclusion Hybrid capture 2 for hrHPV improves the performance of the detection of ≥ CIN 2, without compromising sensitivity, and provides a greater safety margin to return to the triennial screening of women undergoing follow-up due to previous abnormalities, without underlying ≥ CIN 2.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho da captura híbrida 2 (CH2) para papilomavírus humano de alto risco (HPVar) e repetição do exame citopatológico em mulheres com anormalidades em citologia anterior, para detectar neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grau 2 ou pior (≥ NIC 2). Métodos Foi realizado exame citopatológico e CH2 para HPVar (Qiagen, Gaithersburg, Maryland, EUA) em 359 amostras em meio líquido (Sure Path, Becton Dickinson, TriPath Imaging, Burlington, NC, USA) coletadas de mulheres da região do Vale do Ribeira, durante julho de 2013 e setembro de 2015 com citologia anterior classificada como células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado (ASC-US), lesão intraepitelial de baixo grau (LSIL), células escamosas atípicas, não podendo excluir lesão de alto grau (ASC-H) e células glandulares atípicas (AGC). O exame histopatológico foi realizado em 179 mulheres. As avaliações de desempenho foram calculadas usando o teste de intervalo de confiança (IC) "exato" de Clopper-Pearson de 95% pelo software MEDCALC (Medcalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Bélgica). Resultados A frequência de≥ NIC 2 foi 11,7% (21/179). A CH2 para o HPVar e a citologia de repetição para a detecção ≥ NIC 2 obteve, respectivamente, sensibilidade de 90.5% (IC 95% = 69,6-98,8) e 90,5% (IC 95% = 69,6-98,8), especificidade de 65,8% (IC 95% = 57,9-73,2) e 43,7%, (IC 95% = 35,8-51,8), valor preditivo positivo de 26,0% (IC 95% = 21,4-31,3) e 17,6%, (IC95% = 14,9-20,6), e valor preditivo negativo de 98,1% (IC 95% = 93,3-99,5) e 97,2%, (IC 95% = 90,1-99,2). Conclusão No geral, a CH2 para HPVar aprimora o desempenho para detecção de ≥ NIC 2, sem comprometer a sensibilidade e proporciona maior margem de segurança do retorno ao rastreio trienal de mulheres com anormalidades citológicas prévias, sem≥ NIC 2 subjacente.

Adenocarcinoma cervical: diagnóstico na atenção primária e secundária à saúde / Cervical adenocarcinoma: diagnosis in primary and secondary health care

O adenocarcinoma cervical é uma patologia grave cuja incidência tem aumentado, principalmente em pacientes jovens. Um diagnóstico oportuno, na assistência primária e secundária à saúde, com métodos convencionais, melhora sobremaneira o prognóstico da paciente, a um custo tolerável para países em desenvolvimento.(AU)

The cervical adenocarcinoma is a serious pathology whose incident has increased mainly in young patients. One opportunistic diagnosis, in primary and secondary health care, with conventional methods, greatly improves the prognosis of the patients, at a cost tolerable to developing countries.(AU)

Management of atypical squamous cell cases: A prospective study of women seen at a private health service in northeastern Brazil / Conduta em casos de células escamosas atípicas: um estudo prospectivo de mulheres atendidas pelo serviço de saúde privado no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Objective To assess the management chosen by gynecologists after atypical squamous cells (ASCs) cytology results, and to evaluate the outcomes of these cases in Brazilian women. Methods A prospective observational study evaluated the initial management offered by the gynecologist in the case of 2,458 ASCs cytology results collected between January of 2010 and July of 2016. The outcomes of the cytology, high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) test and histology were compared in two subgroups: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H). Results In many cases of ASC-US (36.97%) and ASC-H (40.50%), no clinical actions were taken. Cytology was the most frequent follow-up chosen, including for cases of ASC-H, which goes against the conduct recommended in the national guideline. In women over 30 years of age, the period of time elapsed between an ASC-US result and a new cytology was in 13.03 months, in disagreement with the national guideline recommendations (p< 0.0001). Negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM) cytologic (p = 0.0026) and histologic (p = 0.0017) results in the follow-up were associated with prior ASC-US, while negative results for ASC-H were cytologically (p< 0.0001) and histologically associated with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (p< 0.0001). Two invasive cervical carcinomas (ICCs) were found in the follow-up for ASC-H, and there was a statistically significant association (p = 0.0341). A positive HR-HPV test was associated with ASC-H (p = 0.0075). Conclusion The data suggest that even for a population of Brazilian women assisted at private clinics, the national guidelines recommendations for ASCs results are not followed.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a conduta adotada por ginecologistas após resultados citológicos apresentando células escamosas atípicas (ASCs) e os desfechos destes casos em mulheres brasileiras. Métodos Um estudo observacional prospectivo avaliou o manejo clínico inicial do ginecologista nos casos de 2.458 resultados citológicos apresentando ASCs coletados entre janeiro de 2010 e julho de 2016. Os respectivos desfechos citológicos, histológicos e de detecção do papilomavírus humano (HPV) foram comparados entre os subgrupos células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado (ASC-US) e células escamosas atípicas não podendo excluir lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (ASC-H). Resultados Nenhuma conduta foi adotada em 36,97% de citologias do tipo ASC-US e 40,5% do tipo ASC-H. A conduta mais escolhida foi a repetição da citologia, inclusive para acompanhamento de ASC-H, o que contraria as diretrizes nacionais. O tempo de realização de uma nova citologia para resultado do tipo ASC-US em mulheres com mais de 30 anos de idade foi de 13,03 meses, também em desacordo com as diretrizes (p< 0,0001). Resultados negativos para lesão intraepitelial ou neoplasia maligna (NILM), tanto citológicos (p = 0,0026) como histológicos (p = 0,0017), foram associados a ASC-US, enquanto que resultados negativos para lesões intraepiteliais escamosas de alto grau (HSILs), citológicos (p< 0,0001) e histológicos, foram associados a ASC-H (p< 0,0001). Dois carcinomas cervicais invasivos foram encontrados durante o acompanhamento para ASC-H e uma associação estatisticamente significante foi estabelecida (p = 0,0341). Um teste de HR-HPV positivo foi associado a ASC-H (p = 0,0075). Conclusão Os dados sugerem que mesmo para uma população de mulheres brasileiras atendidas em clínicas privadas, as recomendações das diretrizes clínicas nacionais para resultados citológicos apresentando ASCs não são seguidas.

Cumplimiento del flujo de decisiones clínicas de los algoritmos de derivación y confirmación diagnóstica del primer PAP atípico H1- Santiago Sur / Compliance with the flow of clinical decisions of the algorithms for referral and diagnostic confirmation of the first atypical PAP H1- Santiago Sur

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Un algoritmo puede definirse como un conjunto de operaciones y procedimientos que se deben seguir con el fin de resolver un problema. Objetivo: Conocer el cumplimiento del flujo de decisiones clínicas del protocolo preconizado en los algoritmos de derivación y de confirmación diagnóstica para la citología cervical atípica de significado indeterminado - H1, estipulados en el Programa Nacional de Búsqueda y Control del Cáncer Cervical de Chile. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico de tipo descriptivo, observacional, cuantitativo y de seguimiento de una cohorte de mujeres portadoras de un primer informe de citología cervical atípica de significado indeterminado - H1, pertenecientes a los consultorios de Atención Primaria de Salud del área Metropolitana Sur de Santiago, Chile. El seguimiento fue a través de la aplicación de los "Algoritmo de derivación a especialista o U.P.C. del primer PAP atípico según la clasificación Bethesda 2001" y "Algoritmos para confirmación diagnóstica". Resultados: Se seleccionaron 446 mujeres con un primer informe H1. El cumplimiento de conductas de acuerdo al algoritmo de derivación fue de 42.4% y las conductas alternativas fue de 5.8%. La adherencia de conducta en los algoritmos para confirmación diagnóstica fue cumplida en un 89.6%. Conclusiones: El cumplimiento de las conductas ajustadas a algoritmo de derivación del primer Pap atípico fue realizado por la mitad de las mujeres y el cumplimiento del algoritmo de confirmación diagnóstica fue realizado por la gran mayoría.

SUMMARY Background: An algorithm can be defined as a set of operations and procedures that must be followed in order to solve a problem. Objective: Determine the compliance of the clinical decisions flow and procedures recommended by the ASCUS results derivation and diagnostic confirmation algorithms established in the National Program of Search and Control of Cervical Cancer of Chile. Methods: An epidemiological, descriptive, observational and quantitative study of a follow up investigation of a cohort of women with ASCUS cytological reports. These women belonging in the health care centers in the South Metropolitan area of Santiago de Chile. The algorithms "The Specialist Derivation Algorithm or UPC for the first atypical Pap according to the Bethesda 2001 classification" and "Diagnosis Confirmation Algorithm" were used for the follow-up process of these patients. Results: Women with a first ASCUS report were selected (n = 446). The compliance of the clinical decisions flow to derivation algorithm was 42.4% and alternative behaviors were 5.8%. In the diagnosis confirmation algorithm was 89.6% the compliance the recommended procedures. Conclusion: Half ASCUS carrier women followed the procedures recommended by the derivation algorithm. In the algorithms of diagnostic confirmation it is met mostly.

Triage strategies in cervical cancer detection in Mexico: methods of the FRIDA Study / Estrategias de triage en la detección de cáncer cervical: métodos del estudio FRIDA

Abstract Objective: This paper describes the study design and baseline characteristics of the study population, including the first 30 829 women who enrolled in the Forwarding Research for Improved Detection and Access for Cervical Cancer Screening and Triage (FRIDA Study). This is a large population based study that is evaluating the performance and cost-effectiveness of different triage strategies for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) positive women in Mexico. Materials and methods: The target population is more than 100 000 women aged 30 to 64 years who attend the Cervical Cancer Screening Program in 100 health centers in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. Since August 2013, all women in the region have been invited to enroll in the study. The study participants are evaluated to determine hrHPV infection using the Cobas 4800 HPV test. The HPV-16/18 genotyping and cytology triage strategies are performed as reflex tests in all hrHPV-positive participants. Women with a positive HPV-16/18 test and/or abnormal cytology (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse, ASCUS+) are referred for colposcopy evaluation, where a minimum of four biopsies and an endocervical sample are systematically collected. Histologic confirmation is performed by a standardized panel of pathologists. Results: Among the 30 829 women who have been screened, the overall prevalence of hrHPV is 11.0%. The overall prevalence of HPV16 and HPV18 are 1.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Cytological abnormalities (ASCUS+) were detected in 11.8% of the hrHPV-positive women. A total of 27.0% (920/3,401) of the hrHPV-positive women were referred to colposcopy because of a positive HPV16/18 test and/or abnormal reflex cytology, (31.6% had only ASCUS+, 53.6% were HPV16/18 positive with a normal cytology result, and 9.5% were positive to both triage tests). Conclusion: The results of this study will help policy makers and health service providers establish the best practices for triage in cervical cancer screening in Mexico and other countries.

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es describir el diseño del estudio FRIDA y las características basales de las primeras 30 829 mujeres tamizadas. El estudio FRIDA (Forwarding Research for Improved Detection and Access for Cervical Cancer Screening and Triage) es un estudio de demostración con base poblacional diseñado para evaluar el desempeño y costo-efectividad de diferentes alternativas de triage en mujeres VPH de alto riesgo (VPHar) positivas bajo condiciones reales de un programa de tamizaje para cáncer cervical en México. Material y métodos: La población objetivo la conforman poco más de 100 000 mujeres de 30 a 64 años que asisten al programa de detección oportuna de cáncer cervical en alguno de los 100 centros de salud de la jurisdicción sanitaria 1 de Tlaxcala. Desde agosto de 2013, todas las mujeres son invitadas al estudio. Las participantes del estudio son tamizadas para determinar la infección con VPHar mediante la prueba VPHar Cobas 4800. Se realizan las pruebas de triage de tipificación de VPH16/18 y citología en todas las mujeres con resultados VPHar positivos. Las mujeres con un resultado positivo a VPH16/18 y/o citología anormal (células escamosas atípicas de resultado incierto o peor: ASCUS+) son referidas a evaluación colposcópica, seguida de una colección sistemática de un mínimo de cuatro biopsias cervicales y un cepillado endocervical. La confirmación histológica se lleva a cabo por un panel de patólogos. Resultados Un total de 30 829 mujeres han sido tamizadas, con una prevalencia de VPHar del 11.0%. La prevalencia global de VPH16 y VPH18 es 1.5% y 0.7%, respectivamente. Se detectó un 11.8% de anormalidades citológicas (ASCUS+). Entre las mujeres VPHar positivas, la prevalencia de un resultado de triage positivo (VPH16/18 o citología anormal) fue 27.0%, distribuido de la siguiente forma, 31.6% de éstos fueron sólo ASCUS+ VPH16/18 negativo, 53.6% fueron VPH 16/18 positivos y citología normal, y 9.5% positivos a ambas pruebas de triage. Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio ayudarán tanto a los tomadores de decisiones como a los proveedores de servicios de salud a establecer la mejor estrategia de triage en programas de tamizaje de cáncer cervical basados en VPHar en México y en otros países.

DNA methylation in human papillomavirus-infected cervical cells is elevated in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: DNA methylation has been shown to be a potential biomarker for early cancer detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate DNA methylation profiles according to liquid-based Pap (LBP) test results and to assess their diagnostic value in a Korean population. METHODS: A total of 205 patients with various Papanicolaou test results were enrolled to this study (negative, 26; atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 39; low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 44; high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 48; and cancer, 48). DNA methylation analysis of four genes, ADCYAP1, PAX1, MAL, and CADM1, was performed on residual cervical cells from LBP samples using a quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing method. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the four methylated genes for cancer detection, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn. Sensitivities and specificities were also tested at cutoffs determined from the ROC curves. RESULTS: Cervical cancer cells showed dramatically increased methylation levels for the four genes analyzed. ADCYAP1 and PAX1 also trended toward elevated methylation levels in HSIL samples, although the levels were much lower than those in cancer cells. The sensitivities of methylated ADCYAP1, PAX1, MAL, and CADM1 for the detection of cancer were 79.2%, 75.0%, 70.8%, and 52.1%, and the specificities were 92.0%, 94.0%, 94.7%, and 94.0%, respectively. Methylated ADCYAP1 and PAX1 demonstrated relatively better discriminatory ability than did methylated MAL and CADM1 (area under the curves 0.911 and 0.916 vs. 0.854 and 0.756, respectively). CONCLUSION: DNA methylation status, especially in the ADCYAP1 and PAX1 genes, showed relatively good specificity, ranging from 90% to 94%. The possible additive and complementary roles of DNA methylation testing with respect to conventional cervical cancer screening programs will need to be validated in prospective population-based studies.

Clinical management of the first ASCUS report in Chile. Prospective single-cohort study / Manejo clínico do primeiro relatório ASCUS no Chile. Estudo prospectivo de coorte única

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Worldwide, there is no single strategy for optimal management of patients with ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) cytology reports. The objective of this study was to determine the kind of clinical management conducted among women with a first ASCUS Pap smear report. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective single cohort study at a cervical pathology unit in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: This was an epidemiological, descriptive, observational and quantitative follow-up study on a cohort of women with ASCUS cytological reports. RESULTS: In the screening phase, 92,001 cervical cytological smears were collected in primary healthcare clinics. In the diagnostic phase, all women with a first ASCUS report were selected (n = 446). These women were asked to undergo the Pap test again and it was found that 301 women had normal results, 62 women had abnormal results and 83 did not repeat the test. In the diagnostic confirmation phase, the 62 women with abnormal results underwent colposcopy and, from these results, 58 of them underwent a biopsy. The results from the biopsies showed that 16 women had negative histological reports, 13 had CIN 1 and 29 had CIN 2+. In the treatment phase, the 42 women with lesions underwent a variety of treatments, according to the type of lesion. In the post-treatment phase, cytological and colposcopic monitoring was instituted. CONCLUSION: The clinical management consisted of traditional management of screening, diagnosis, diagnostic confirmation, treatment and post-treatment monitoring.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Mundialmente, não existe estratégia única para o gerenciamento ideal de pacientes com laudos de citologia ASCUS ( atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance ). O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o tipo de gerenciamento clínico realizado em mulheres com o primeiro laudo de Papanicolaou ASCUS. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo de coorte única em uma unidade de patologia cervical em Santiago, Chile. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, observacional e quantitativo de seguimento de um grupo de mulheres com laudos de citologia ASCUS. RESULTADOS: Na fase de rastreamento, 92.001 relatórios de citologia cervical foram coletados nos ambulatórios da rede pública de saúde. Na fase de diagnóstico, foi selecionada a totalidade de mulheres com relatórios citológicos de ASCUS (n = 446). Essas mulheres foram submetidas a repetição do exame de Papanicolaou, obtendo-se 301 mulheres com resultados normais, 62 mulheres com resultados anormais e 83 que não repetiram o exame. Na fase de confirmação de diagnóstico, as 62 mulheres com resultados anormais foram submetidas a colposcopia e, considerando-se os resultados obtidos, 58 foram submetidas a biópsia. Os resultados das biópsias mostraram 16 mulheres com laudos histológicos negativos, 13 com NIC 1 e 29 com NIC 2 +. Na fase terapêutica, as 42 mulheres com lesões foram submetidas a diversos tratamentos de acordo com o tipo de lesão. Para a fase pós-tratamento, foi instituído um sistema de monitoramento citocolposcópico. CONCLUSÃO: As condutas clínicas tiveram gestão tradicional de rastreamento, diagnóstico, confirmação diagnóstica, tratamento e acompanhamento pós-tratamento.

Frequência de células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado (ASCUS) em mulheres grávidas e não grávidas / Frequency of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) for pregnant and non-pregnant women

OBJETIVO: Comparar a frequência do resultado citopatológico de ASCUS em mulheres gestantes e não gestantes, estratificadas em grupos etários. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 1.336.180 resultados de exames citopatológicos realizados de forma oportunística, no período entre 2000 e 2009 (10 anos) com a finalidade de rastreamento do carcinoma do colo do útero. Foram feitas comparações entre gestantes e não gestantes, com estratificação das amostras em três grupos etários (20-24, 25-29 e 30-34 anos). Foi utilizado o teste do χ2 e a medida da magnitude da associação foi analisada por valores estimados de Odds Ratio (OR) com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS: Ao total, 447.489 amostras foram excluídas com base nos critérios adotados, totalizando uma amostra final de 37.137 mulheres gestantes e 851.554 não gestantes. O resultado citopatológico de ASCUS foi detectado em 1,2% dos casos, havendo diferença significante entre gestantes e não gestantes nas faixas etárias entre 20-24 anos (OR=0,85; IC95% 0,75-0,97) e 25-29 anos (OR=0,78; IC95% 0,63-0,96). Não houve diferença no grupo entre 30-34 anos (OR=0,76; IC95% 0,57-1,03). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo sugeriu que mulheres não gestantes apresentam maior prevalência de ASCUS, mais evidente no grupo etário de 20 a 29 anos. A coleta do exame citopatológico não deve ser um exame compulsório na rotina do pré-natal. .

PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of an ASCUS Pap Smear result in pregnant and non-pregnant women, stratified by age group. METHODS: We analyzed the results of 1,336,180 cytopathologyc exams of Pap smears performed between 2000 and 2009 (ten years) with the purpose of screening for cervical carcinoma. Comparisons were made between pregnant and non-pregnant women, and the sample was stratified into three age groups (20-24, 25-29 and 30-34 years). The χ2 test was used and the magnitude of association was determined by the by Odds Ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: A Total of 447,489 samples were excluded on the basis of the criteria adopted, for a total final sample of 37,137 pregnant women and 851,554 non-pregnant women. An ASCUS result was detected in 1.2% of cases, with a significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women in the age groups of 20-24 years (OR=0.85; 95%CI 0.75-0.97) and 25-29 years (OR=0.78; 95%CI 0.63-0.96). There was no difference in the group between 30-34 years (OR=0.76; 95%CI 0.57-1.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that non-pregnant women have a higher frequency of ASCUS, most evident in the age group of 20 to 29 years. The collection of cervical cancer screening should not be a compulsory part of the prenatal routine. .