The Role of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in the Evolution of Cervical Dysplasia in HIV Positive Women in Nigeria

Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and the relationship between the degree of cervical dysplasia and HAART in HIVpositive women. Method: This was a cross-sectional study involving 250 HIV positive women on HAART attending the HIV clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Cervical smears were collected from participants, examined and reported using the Bethesda system. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17 software package. Results: The prevalence of cervical dysplasia was 26.4%. CD4 count less than 500 cells/ul and HAART for less than 2 years were significantly associated with cervical dysplasia and high grade lesions. HIV positive women who were on HAART for less than 2 years were 3 and 7 times more likely to have cervical dysplasia and high grade lesions respectively. Conclusion: Abnormal CD4 count and shorter duration of HAART use were significantly associated with cervical dysplasia. The routine administration of HAART to HIV positive women irrespective of CD4 count may be beneficial.