Pidotimod plus recombinant human interferon α-2b suppository boosts HPV clearance in high-risk patients following loop electrosurgical excision procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) negative conversion, vaginal microecological recovery, and serum inflammatory factor levels in patients with high-risk HPV infection treated with pidotimod (PDT) plus recombinant human interferon α-2b (rh-IFN-α2b) suppository after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

METHODS

A total of 97 patients with high-risk HPV infection who underwent LEEP from March 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively selected. Among these cases, 45 treated with rh-IFN-α2b suppository were assigned as control group, while the other 52 treated with PDT + rh-IFN-α2b suppository were assigned as combined group. HPV negative conversion, side effects (fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and vaginal burning sensation), vaginal microecology recovery (vaginal pH, Nugent score), and serum inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-12, and interferon [IFN]-γ) were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with failure to achieve negative conversion.

RESULTS

The combined group demonstrated a higher HPV negative conversion rate, treatment response rate, and vaginal microecological recovery rate (lower vaginal pH and Nugent score) compared to the control group. Also, post-treatment IL-4 levels were lower, while IL-12 and IFN-γ were higher in the combined group. The side effects in the two groups were similar. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that HPV type and treatment modality were associated with HPV negative conversion failure, but were not independent predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT plus rh-IFN-α2b suppository can effectively improve HPV negative conversion, accelerate vaginal microecology recovery, and modulate serum inflammatory responses in high-risk HPV patients after LEEP.