[Cervical smear in HIV infection]

ABSTRACT

Today with an increasing frequency of HIV infection around the world, its epidemiological studies is becoming more important. This study aimed to evaluate the cervical smear in human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infected patients and also its association with CD4 counts among an Iranian population. In a case-control study, 247 women, 58 HIV infected cases and 189 healthy controls, were included. Liquid-based cytology cervical smears and hematologic findings were compared between cases and controls. The frequency of abnormal smear was significantly higher in cases 20.7% compared with controls 3.2% [p<0.001]. The mean CD4 count was significantly lower in cases with abnormal smear compared with cases with normal smear [573.0 +/- 306.9 vs. 383.7 +/- 123.6; p=0.042]. Undertaking a serious effort toward provision of gynecological care and cervical cancer screening at the same health center as HIV care, in Iranian HIV infected women is suggested