Role of cesarean section in prevention of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis--is there one?

Giant condyloma acuminatum (Buschke-Lowenstein tumour) of the vagina during pregnancy

A primiparous woman in her mid-30s presented at 31 weeks of gestation with a large vaginal mass obstructing the cervix, initially concerning for malignancy. Pelvic MRI confirmed a vaginal lesion located on the lateral wall, and histopathology diagnosed a giant condyloma acuminatum. The vaginal lesion was surgically resected at 34 weeks of gestation, and the patient proceeded to have a successful vaginal birth. Our case report demonstrates an unusual presentation of a rare anogenital disease and highlights a differential diagnosis for cervical and vaginal lesions.

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)-Meta-analyses on the use of the HPV vaccine as adjuvant therapy

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis(RRP) is a rare disease with severe morbidity. Treatment is surgical. Prevailing viewpoint is that prophylactic HPV vaccines do not have therapeutic benefit due to their modus operandi. Studies on HPV vaccination alongside surgery were meta-analysed to test effect on burden of disease. Databases were accessed Nov and Dec 2021 [PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science]. Main outcome measured was: Mean paired differences in the number of surgeries or recurrences per month. Analyses was performed using: Random effect maximal likelihood estimation model using the Stata module Mataan(StataCorp. 2019. Stata Statistical Software: Release 16. College Station, TX:StataCorp LLC.) Our results found n = 38 patients, suitable for syntheses with one previous meta-analyses (4 published, 2 unpublished studies) n = 63, total of n = 101 patients. Analyses rendered an overall reduction of 0.123 recurrences or surgeries per month (95% confidence interval [0.064, 0.183]). Our meta-analyses concludes that HPV vaccine is a beneficial adjunct therapy alongside surgery.

Maternal condyloma acuminata infection in pregnancy and offspring long-term respiratory and infectious outcome

BACKGROUND

Maternal condyloma acuminata infection may be vertically transmitted to the offspring during pregnancy and childbirth. Our study aimed to investigate the possible impact of maternal condyloma acuminata infection in pregnancy on offspring respiratory and infectious morbidity.

METHODS

A population-based cohort analysis including all singleton deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a tertiary medical center. Long-term infectious and respiratory morbidities were compared between children with and without exposure to maternal condyloma infection during pregnancy. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative hospitalization rate and a Cox regression analyses to control for confounders.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in total respiratory and infectious related hospitalizations between the study groups. The survival curves demonstrated no difference in the cumulative incidence between the two groups in both respiratory hospitalizations (log-rank, p = 0.18) and infectious hospitalizations (log-rank, p = 0.95). Cox multivariable analyses demonstrated that exposure to maternal condyloma infection during pregnancy is not a risk factor for neither infectious (aHR 0.91, [CI] 0.49-1.69) nor respiratory (aHR 0.37, [CI] 0.09-1.51) morbidity during childhood and adolescence.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to maternal condyloma infection during pregnancy does not appear to be an independent risk factor for later respiratory or infectious morbidity throughout childhood and adolescence.

[Giant condyloma acuminatum in pregnancy]

Buschke Lownestein's tumour is a giant acuminate condyloma characterised by its degenerative potential, its invasive nature and its recurrence after treatment. It is a rare condition, transmitted mainly by sexual transmission and induced by to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The discussion will be illustrated by a clinical case The treatment is still under discussion but surgery seems to be the best option. Management during pregnancy is more complex since it must take into account the mother and her fetus. The delivery route is still debated. The post-treatment evolution was satisfactory and without recurrence until the delivery which, due to the antecedent of 3 caesarean sections, was carried out by cesarean section. HPV vaccination, sex education and early treatment of condyloma lesions should prevent and in any case improve the prognosis of this disease.

Current and future management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Objectives

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a chronic disease of the respiratory tract that occurs in both children and adults. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), in particular low‐risk HPV6 and HPV11, and aggressiveness varies among patients. RRP remains a chronic disease that is difficult to manage. This review provides perspectives on current and future management of RRP.

Results

The current standard of care is surgical excision, with adjuvant therapies as needed. Surgical management of RRP has evolved with the introduction of microdebriders and photoangiolytic lasers; the latter can now be used in the office setting. Numerous adjuvant pharmacologic therapies have been utilized with some success. Also, exciting preliminary data show that HPV vaccines may prolong the time to recurrence in the RRP population. There is also optimism that wide‐spread HPV vaccination could reduce RRP incidence indirectly by preventing vertical HPV transmission to newborns.

Conclusion

To date, the biology of RRP is not well understood, although it has been noted to become more aggressive in the setting of immune suppression. Additional research is needed to better understand immune system dysfunction in RRP such that immunomodulatory approaches may be developed for RRP management.

Level of Evidence

4

Therapeutic use of the HPV vaccine in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A case report

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a condition characterized by recurring squamous papillomas in the aerodigestive tract due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. Treatment includes surgical debridement of the lesions often with adjuvant therapy. A newer adjuvant agent being tested is the HPV vaccine. The case report includes a child with RRP who underwent 10 surgeries in a year with an average inter-surgical interval (ISI) of 46 days. The patient then received the scheduled regimen of 3 doses of 9 valent HPV vaccine. Since beginning the vaccination, her average ISI increased to 113 days and as of writing of this paper only 1 surgery in the last 340 days. It is theorized that the increase in humoral response to the virus can slow the course of the disease, lengthen the ISI, and decrease morbidity. The results of this case report lends evidence to the use of the HPV vaccine as a therapeutic adjuvant therapy for RRP.

Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–A in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

Vascular endothelial growth factor–A (VEGF-A) is known to play an important role in the angiogenic response essential for tumor growth in a variety of human and experimental tumors. This study was designed to investigate whether VEGF-A may play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). A retrospective study with institutional review board approval was performed at a tertiary care medical center on 12 patients with a history of laryngeal RRP. Their ages at the time of initial diagnosis ranged from 19 to 96 months (mean, 56 months). All patients had involvement of right and left true vocal cords. All patients required multiple endoscopic procedures (range, 4 to 66; mean, 12). Normal pediatric larynx samples from 5 autopsy patients were used as controls. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of laryngeal squamous papillomas from the 12 patients with a diagnosis of RRP and the 5 control patients were examined by in situ hybridization for the presence of messenger RNA (mRNA) for VEGF-A and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). The biopsy specimens were from the true vocal cord (N = 10) or subglottis (N = 2) in the patients with RRP and consisted of large sections of larynx including the true vocal cord in the control patients (N = 5). Strong expression of VEGF-A mRNA was noted in the squamous epithelium of papillomas of all 12 patients. Strong expression of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 was noted in the endothelial cells of the underlying vessels in all 12 patients. Neither strong labeling of VEGF-A mRNA nor labeling of its receptors was noted in the control patients. We conclude that the angiogenic growth factor VEGF-A is strongly expressed in the epithelium of squamous papillomas in RRP. Also, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 mRNAs are strongly expressed by underlying vascular endothelial cells, suggesting an important role in the pathogenesis of RRP.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: current and future perspectives

Although recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a benign disease of the upper aerodigestive tract caused by infection with human papillomavirus, the disease process is unpredictable, ranging from mild disease and spontaneous remission to an aggressive disease with pulmonary spread and requirement for frequent surgical debulking procedures. It can present a protracted clinical course and cause potentially life-threatening compromise of the airways. Over recent decades, a number of alternative medical therapies to standard surgical treatment have been investigated, with modest outcomes overall. Currently, some additional therapies are being explored, together with novel surgical instrumentation that can help to avoid inevitable long-term stenotic complications, ultimately affecting quality of life. Hopefully, clinicians might soon be able to significantly improve the quality of treatment and outcomes for patients affected with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, with human papillomavirus vaccination having a potentially important role.

Tracheal Papilloma Treated with Cryotherapy and Interferon-α: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Tracheal papilloma (TP) is characterized by papillomatous growth of the bronchial epithelium that involves the trachea as a response to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. A 40-year-old male, with 3-month history of progressive dyspnea was admitted to our hospital, and there were no any other respiratory symptoms. Physical examination was unremarkable. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed that there was a papillomatous mass at the distal trachea. The lesion occupied 80% of tracheal lumen. This patient received cryotherapy and mechanical debridement under general anesthesia and postoperative pathology showed endotracheal papillomatosis. Patient was treated with interferon-α (IFN-α) and he showed no recurrence at the 8th month of his therapy.

Risk factors for the development and severity of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) is a rare yet aggressive disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Although many newborns are likely exposed to HPV, few develop JoRRP and the clinical course of the disease varies from one child to another. This systematic review seeks to provide an up-to-date understanding of the risk factors for acquisition and severity.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in EMBASE, MEDLINE and EBMR databases using various combinations of keywords related to JoRRP etiology, risk factors and severity. We also searched Google Scholar and the reference lists of eligible studies. Our search was limited to original studies published in French or English between 1995 and July 2012 and to patients under 20 years of age.

RESULTS

Of 1362 citations, we retrieved 102 articles and found 14 additional studies. We retained 32 studies meeting inclusion criteria. All were observational and together included 2296 JoRRP cases. Risk factors could be classified mainly as maternal and birth history, viral genotype, and host factors. A history of genital warts during pregnancy and delivery was strongly linked to the development of JoRRP. Depending on ethnicity, specific human leukocyte antigen class II alleles and immune response factors were important determinants of JoRRP acquisition and severity. HPV-11 genotype and younger age at onset of JoRRP were important predictors of severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic and immunological profiles underlying the acquisition and clinical course are not readily modifiable. Thus, preventing condylomas in women of childbearing age could reduce the burden of this life-threatening disease.

Voice disorders in children

This article reviews the management of voice disorders in children. We describe the relevant anatomy and development of the larynx throughout childhood, which affects voice. We consider the epidemiologic data to establish the size of the problem. The assessment of the patient in the clinic is described stepwise through the history, examination, laryngoscopy, and extra tests. We then review the common voice disorders encountered and their management, concluding with discussion of future directions, which may herald advances in this field.

Human papillomavirus and diseases of the upper airway: head and neck cancer and respiratory papillomatosis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is causally associated with benign and malignant diseases of the upper airway, including respiratory papillomatosis and oropharyngeal cancer. Low-risk HPV types 6 and 11 are the predominant cause of papillomatosis, whereas only HPV16 definitively satisfies both molecular and epidemiological causal criteria as a carcinogenic or high-risk type in the upper airway. HPV16 E6/E7 mRNA expression and integration are observed predominantly among oropharyngeal cancers, and experimental models have shown E6/E7 expression to be necessary for the initiation and maintenance of the malignant phenotype of these cancers. From an epidemiological perspective, a strong and consistent association between markers of HPV16 exposure and oropharyngeal cancer has been demonstrated in numerous case-control studies. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers have also been shown to be distinct from HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell cancers with regard to risk-factor profiles, molecular genetic alterations, population-level incidence trends over time, and prognosis. Tumor HPV status (as determined by certain HPV16 in situ hybridization assays or certain p16 immunohistochemistry assays) is the strongest determinant of survival for patients with local-regionally advanced oropharyngeal cancer: patients with HPV-positive cancer have at least a 50% improvement in overall survival at 5 years, which is equivalent to an approximate 30% difference in absolute survival. Thus, HPV status determination is now part of the routine diagnostic evaluation for prognostication. Preliminary evidence indicates that a small proportion of head and neck cancers may be caused by additional HPV types (e.g., 18, 31, 33, 35) and that HPV-caused cancers may rarely arise from non-oropharyngeal sites (e.g., the oral cavity, nasopharynx, and larynx). Whether or not HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent oral HPV infections that lead to cancer or papillomatosis in the upper airway is currently unknown, as is the potential for secondary prevention with HPV detection. This article forms part of a special supplement entitled "Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases" Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012.

Recommendations for the diagnosis of human papilloma virus (HPV) high and low risk in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Guide of experts PTORL and KIDL

The role of human papilloma viruses (HPV) in malignant and nonmalignant ENT diseases and the corresponding epidemiological burden has been widely described. International head and neck oncology community discussed growing evidence that oral HPV infection contributes to the risk of oro-pharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) and recommended HPV testing as a part of the work up for patients with OPC. Polish Society of ENT Head Neck Surgery and National Chamber of Laboratory Diagnosticians have worked together to define the minimum requirements for assigning a diagnosis of HPV-related conditions and testing strategy that include HPV specific tests in our country. This paper briefly frames the literature information concerning low risk (LR) and high risk (HR) HPV, reviews the epidemiology, general guidance on the most appropriate biomarkers for clinical assessment of HPV. The definition of HPV-related cancer was presented. The article is aiming to highlight some of major issues for the clinician dealing with patients with HPV-related morbidities and to introduce the diagnostic algorithm in Poland.

Tracheal papillomatosis

Tracheal papillomatosis (TP) is a benign condition characterized by papillomatous growth of the bronchial epithelium that involves the trachea. This abnormal growth is a result of infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Two subtypes of HPV were found in most cases of TP, HPV-6 and HPV-11. TP, presents in two forms, the juvenile onset (JO) or adult onset (AO). The clinical presentation is typically nonspecific and it ranges from mild symptoms like cough to life-threatening conditions like upper airway obstruction. Treatment depends on the location of the papillomas and age of the patient and the plan of therapy is usually made on an individual basis. Treatment can range from observation with symptomatic control to specific medical therapy and multiple surgeries in case of recurrence or progressively worsening disease. The recent invention of HPV vaccine is expected to be the first step in eradicating respiratory papillomatosis.

[Papillomas & laryngeal papillomatosis. Treatment with CO₂ laser surgery. Our experience over 15 years]

OBJECTIVES

The study goal was to evaluate the efficacy of CO₂ laser surgery in the treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis. We analysed several parameters such as gender, average age, relapse rate and viral serotype.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 26 diagnosed patients were included in this retrospective descriptive review. All of them were treated with CO₂ laser for laryngeal papillomas between 1995 and 2010.

RESULTS

This pathology was more prevalent in males (65.5%), with a slight predominance of a single larynx localisation over multiple lesion locations. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected in 75.8% of the cases; genotypes 6 and 11 prevailed. Of the patients in this review, 44.8% relapsed; the relapse average was 2-3 episodes per patient. A total of 20.7% of cases were in remission (no relapse in the last 2 months); 34.5%, clearing (no apparent relapse in the last 3 years); and 41.3% in the healing stage (without relapse in the last 5 years). There was only one case that showed malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Papillomatosis is characterised as a pathology with an unpredictable course and with a low probability of malignancy. CO₂ laser surgery has meant a revolution in symptomatic treatment, but there is presently no curative treatment.

Infections of the airway

Infections of the airway in children may present to the anesthetist as an emergency in several locations: the Emergency Department, the Operating Department or on Intensive Care. In all of these locations, relevant and up to date knowledge of presentations, diagnoses, potential complications and clinical management will help the anesthetist and the surgical team, not only with the performance of their interventions, but also in buying time before these are undertaken, avoiding complications and altering the eventual outcome for the child. Diseases such as epiglottitis and diphtheria may show diminished incidence but they have not gone away and their clinical features and essential management remain unchanged. Paradoxically, perhaps, some conditions such as Lemierre's syndrome appear to be making a comeback. In these instances, clinicians need to be alert to these less common conditions, not only in regard to the disease itself but also to potentially serious complications. This article describes those infections of the airway that are most likely to present to the anesthetist, their attendant complications and recommendations for treatment.

[Laryngeal papillomatosis: etiology, diagnostics and therapy]

Papillomas are rare tumors that originate from the mucosa. They may appear in the nose, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, larynx, trachea, or the skin. Papillomas are mainly asymptomatic and are therefore mostly diagnosed coincidentally. In contrast, laryngeal papillomatosis may cause stridor, dyspnoea, and hoarseness. A viral cause of the disease seems likely, especially human papilloma virus. Mechanical irritation is also a possible reason when the nose, oral cavity, or oropharynx is affected. All papillomas, independent of their origin, may recur, and have the possibility of malignant degeneration in common. The therapy of choice is complete surgical excision. Regarding laryngeal papillomatosis, laser vaporisation or excision using the CO(2)laser is recommended. Because retreatments using conventional modalities are frequently necessary, especially in the case of laryngeal papillomatosis, adjuvant therapies are applied with the aim of reducing the recurrence rate and prolonging the interval between treatments.

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Longitudinal Study Comparing Severity Associated With Human Papilloma Viral Types 6 and 11 and Other Risk Factors in a Large Pediatric Population

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

A database was developed for prospective, longitudinal study of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in a large population of pediatric patients. Data recorded for each patient included epidemiological factors, human papilloma virus (HPV) type, clinical course, staged severity of disease at each surgical intervention, and frequency of surgical intervention. The study hypothesizes that patients with HPV type 11 (HPV-11) and patients younger than 3 years of age at diagnosis are at risk for more aggressive and extensive disease.

STUDY DESIGN

The 10-year prospective epidemiological study used disease staging for each patient with an original scoring system. Severity scores were updated at each surgical procedure.

METHODS

Parents of children with RRP referred to the authors' hospital completed a detailed epidemiological questionnaire at the initial visit or at the first return visit after the study began. At the first endoscopic debridement after study enrollment, tissue was obtained and submitted for HPV typing using polymerase chain reaction techniques and in situ hybridization. Staging of disease severity was performed in real time at each endoscopic procedure using an RRP scoring system developed by one of the authors (B.J.W.). The frequency of endoscopic operative debridement was recorded for each patient. Information in the database was analyzed to identify statistically significant relationships between extent of disease and/or HPV type, patient age at diagnosis, and selected epidemiological factors.

RESULTS

The study may represent the first longitudinal prospective analysis of a large pediatric RRP population. Fifty-eight of the 73 patients in the study underwent HPV typing. Patients infected with HPV-11 were significantly more likely to have higher severity scores, require more frequent surgical intervention, and require adjuvant therapy to control disease progression. In addition, patients with HPV-11 RRP were significantly more likely to develop tracheal disease, to require tracheotomy, and to develop pulmonary disease. Patients receiving a diagnosis of RRP before 3 years of age had significantly higher severity scores, higher frequencies of surgical intervention, and greater likelihood of requiring adjuvant medical therapy. Patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly higher severity scores and required more frequent surgical debridement. Birth by cesarean section appeared to be a significant risk factor for more severe disease and necessity of more frequent surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Statistical analysis of the relationships among epidemiological factors, HPV type, and clinical course revealed that patients with HPV-11 and patients younger than 3 years of age at RRP diagnosis are prone to develop more aggressive disease as represented by higher severity scores at endoscopic debridement, more frequent operative debridement procedures per year, a greater requirement for adjuvant therapy, and greater likelihood of tracheal disease with tracheotomy.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a review

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), which is caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11, is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx among children and the second most frequent cause of childhood hoarseness. After changes in voice, stridor is the second most common symptom, first inspiratory and then biphasic. Less common presenting symptoms include chronic cough, recurrent pneumonia, failure to thrive, dyspnea, dysphagia, or acute respiratory distress, especially in infants with an upper respiratory tract infection. Differential diagnoses include asthma, croup, allergies, vocal nodules, or bronchitis. Reports estimate the incidence of RRP in the United States at 4.3 per 100,000 children and 1.8 per 100,000 adults. Infection in children has been associated with vertical transmission during vaginal delivery from an infected mother. Younger age at diagnosis is associated with more aggressive disease and the need for more frequent surgical procedures to decrease the airway burden. When surgical therapy is needed more frequently than four times in 12 months or there is evidence of RRP outside the larynx, adjuvant medical therapy should be considered. Adjuvant therapies that have been investigated include dietary supplements, control of extra-esophageal reflux disease, potent antiviral and chemotherapeutic agents, and photodynamic therapies; although several have shown promise, none to date has "cured" RRP, and some may have serious side effects. Because RRP, although histologically benign, is so difficult to control and can cause severe morbidity and death, better therapies are needed. The potential for a quadrivalent human papilloma vaccine is being explored to reduce the incidence of this disease.

The impact of cesarean delivery on transmission of infectious agents to the neonate

The rate of cesarean deliveries has increased dramatically over the past decade. Studies to date have highlighted a number of factors on the part of the treating physician and the expectant mother contributing to this increase. Maternal infections are not a major cause of this increase. There are a limited number of infections in a pregnant woman that warrant cesarean delivery to prevent perinatal transmission. This article outlines those infections known to be transmitted perinatally through the infected birth canal and details the current recommendations for cesarean delivery. Pregnant women with active genital herpes lesions or with known herpes simplex virus infection and a prodromal illness consistent with recurrence at the time of presentation in labor should undergo cesarean delivery. Pregnant women who are HIV infected and have detectable viremia (>1000 copies/mL) should be counseled regarding the potential benefits of cesarean delivery as an adjunct to antiretroviral therapy. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted intrapartum, but prevention of HCV transmission by cesarean delivery has not been proved effective and is not generally indicated. A limited number of other infectious agents can be transmitted through the birth canal but do not constitute an indication for cesarean delivery.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated gynecological alteration in mothers of children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis during long-term observation

BACKGROUND

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most frequently observed sexually transmitted infections. The study' purpose was to investigate the relation between a mother's gynecological history and the local status of her child with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

METHODS

Forty-two patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter study between 1983 and 1990. The study included patients with juvenile-onset and adult-onset RRP. All patients underwent surgery and treatment with alpha-interferon. Thirty-eight patients were followed up until 31.01.2006. Twenty-five mothers of these patients participated in a parallel prospective study of genital HPV infection. In 1989-1990, all received a routine gynecological examination, an expanded colposcopy, a Pap smear, and a cervical biopsy. The mothers were followed up until February 2006.

RESULTS

74% of patients with RRP were the first-born children. Five (20%) mothers had condylomata acuminata, newly diagnosed during pregnancy. Indicators of HPV infection such as koilocytes, koilocytotic dysplasia and condyloma acuminatum were revealed cytologically in 17% of cases and histologically in 71.4% of cases. Six (24%) of mothers had had a hysterectomy. HPV type 11 was prevalent in the children of mothers who had had a hysterectomy. Among the patients with juvenile-onset RRP, the death rate from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was significantly higher in those patients whose mothers had a hysterectomy (p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers of patients with RRP demonstrated cytological and histological indicators of HPV infection in the genital tract. An adverse outcome of the disease in the child was associated with adverse gynecological history in the mother.

Juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: still a mystery disease with difficult management

Juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is the most common benign neoplastic disease of the larynx in children and adolescents and has a significant impact on patients and the health care system with a cost ranging from $60,000 to $470,000 per patient. The aim of this paper is to review the current literature on RRP and summarize the recent advances. RRP is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV; mainly by types 6 and 11). Patients suffer from wart-like growths in the aerodigestive tract. The course of the disease is unpredictable. Although spontaneous remission is possible, pulmonary spread and malignant transformation have been reported. Surgical excision, including new methods like the microdebrider, aims to secure an adequate airway and improve and maintain an acceptable voice. Repeated recurrences are common and thus overenthusiastic attempts to eradicate the disease may cause serious complications. When papillomas recur, old and new adjuvant methods may be tried. In addition, recent advances in immune system research may allow us to improve our treatment modalities and prevention strategies. A new vaccine is under trial to prevent HPV infection in women; the strongest risk factor for juvenile RRP is a maternal history of genital warts (transmitted from mother to child during delivery). Better understanding of the etiology of the disease and the knowledge of all available therapies is crucial for the best management of the affected patients.

Children and partners of patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis have no evidence of the disease during long-term observation

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is the most common benign neoplasm affecting the larynx and upper respiratory tract. The aim of our study was to investigate whether children and partners of patients with RRP develop the same disease and to determine whether there is an impact of pregnancy on the course of RRP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight of 42 patients with RRP were accepted for a multicenter prospective study in Germany in 21.06.83-12.03.90. Mean follow-up duration was 15.3+/-1.8 years. The data of partners of patients with RRP was collected during the period of observation and then updated via interviews in January 2006. Twenty-nine children and four grandchildren were born to 14 patients with RRP. Fifteen of 448 cases of patients with RRP were treated in Saint Vladimir Moscow Children's Hospital in Russia in 1988-2003 and analyzed retrospectively. Sixteen children and one grandchild were born to 15 patients with RRP from Russia. In both studies, the virus type of patients with RRP was identified by nested PCR or Southern blot hybridization. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test (probability value set at p<0.05).

RESULTS

All children born to patients with RRP were healthy. RRP was not diagnosed in any of them on the basis of clinical or histological examination. Four of 45 children developed dysphonia, two of them had vocal cord nodules. None of the sexual partners of patients has developed RRP during the follow-up period. Pregnancy was accompanied by excessive growth of papillomas in all women (100%) with RRP associated with HPV type 11, and only in 16.7% of women with RRP associated with HPV type 6 (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RRP are able to have healthy children regardless of the stage of the disease. Partners of RRP patients do not develop RRP during an observation period of 15 years. Pregnancy has a negative impact on the course of RRP and local laryngeal status in patients; it is more significant in HPV type 11 associated cases as it is manifested by more rapid papillomas growth and more frequent recurrence.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children: masquerader of common respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening benign tumor of the respiratory tract with laryngeal predilection. The diagnosis of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis may be challenging unless there is a high index of suspicion and awareness of the variable presentations.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical charts of children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated at a tertiary children's hospital. The presentation of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is illustrated by a series of case reports. We provide a paradigm to assist in the early diagnosis of children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

RESULTS

Five patients, aged 2 to 6 years, were erroneously diagnosed with recurrent croup, asthma, laryngeal hemangioma, and tracheomalacia after presenting with variable degrees of chronic dyspnea, cough, stridor, dysphonia, weak cry, and syncope. Once the diagnosis of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis was made, recurring surgical ablation of papillomata was initiated.

CONCLUSIONS

Any child presenting with a voice disturbance with or without stridor is recommended to have diagnostic flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis should be considered in children when other common pediatric airway diseases either do not follow the natural history or do not respond to treatment of the common disorder.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a benign, often multi-focal neoplasm. A potentially fatal manifestation of human papilloma virus infection, the condition is characterised by multiple warty excrescences on the mucosal surface of the respiratory tract. RRP is rare--incidence is estimated at 3.5 per million person-years, with a prevalence of 4 in 100,000 children. Affected children usually require multiple interventions; the impact on patients, their families, and the healthcare system is considerable. Treatment of RRP accounts for an estimated dollar 109 million annual expenditure in the USA.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a frustrating and challenging disease for surgeons, patients, and patients' families. Although the voice and airway manifestations are managed surgically, a "cure" for this disease remains elusive. In this edition of the "Seminar Series," we endeavor to review the current literature regarding the epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, and surgical and medical treatments of this disorder. The key to future management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis may lie in its prevention, if current efforts to develop an effective vaccine come to fruition.

Vertical transmission of the human papillomavirus: a systematic quantitative review

In order to better understand the exact mode and risk of vertical transmission in asymptomatic pregnant women, as well as the relationship between HPV transmission and mode of delivery, we have proposed this systematic quantitative review of prospective cohort studies. A comprehensive search was performed in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, LILACS, CANCERLIT, and EMBASE, as well as in the reference lists from the identified studies. Nine primary studies, which included 2,111 pregnant women and 2,113 newborns, met our selection criteria and were analyzed. A positive HPV test in the mother increased the risk of vertical HPV transmission (RR: 4.8; 95%CI: 2.2-10.4). We also observed a higher risk of HPV infection after vaginal delivery than after cesarean section (RR: 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4). The results of this meta-analysis showed the HPV DNA-positive rate only after birth, but an HPV DNA-positive neonatal sample does not necessarily indicate infection; it could merely indicate contamination (perinatal HPV contamination may have occurred). Infants born through vaginal delivery were at higher risk of exposure to HPV.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a relatively rare disease caused by members of the human papilloma virus family. Lesions may occur anywhere throughout the respiratory tract but show a predilection for squamo-columnar epithelial junctions, frequently leading to hoarseness and upper airway obstruction. Rarely, it can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The impact of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis on patients, their families, and the health care system is considerable. Unfortunately, despite extensive investigational studies, no cure is available for the disease. This article reviews the aetiology of and therapeutic options for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx in children. Despite its benign histology, RRP has potentially morbid consequences and is often difficult to treat because of its tendency to recur and spread throughout the respiratory tract. Long neglected from an epidemiological standpoint, recent initiatives to better understand this disease process have been launched through coordination between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology. In this clinical review, I discuss what we currently know regarding the etiology, epidemiology, and transmission of this disease. Clinical features including pertinent aspects of the history, physical examination, airway endoscopy, and other considerations are highlighted. A detailed description of the surgical and anesthetic management of these challenging cases is presented. Adjuvant modalities of surgical and nonsurgical treatment and their indications are discussed. Ongoing research initiatives and the Practice Guidelines of the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Task Force are also included.

Human papillomavirus in the oral cavities of children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral cavities of children and adolescents and to identify potential risk factors for HPV infection.

STUDY DESIGN

Sociodemographic information was obtained on 268 healthy infants, children, and adolescents who were < or = 20 years old. Oral squamous cells were collected from swabs with young children and from oral saline solution rinses with older children and adolescents. Extracted DNA was evaluated for HPV by polymerase chain reaction, dot blot hybridization, and DNA sequencing. Factors associated with the presence of HPV were tested by using chi(2), Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression tests.

RESULTS

HPV was detected in 6.0% of the participants. HPV frequency among young children (<7 years old) was 8.7% (11/127), and among adolescents (13-20 years old) it was 5.2% (5/97). HPV was not detected in children aged 7 to 12 years old (0/44). Fifty-four percent (6/11) of HPV-positive children were 1 year of age or less; 3 of the HPV-positive children (<7 years old) were delivered by cesarean section. No statistically significant association was found between the detection of HPV in the oral cavity and method of delivery or gender; parent's race, education, HPV-related conditions, smoking history, or number of sex partners; or adolescent's smoking history or history of sexual activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that HPV is present in the oral cavity primarily in children 2 years old and younger and in adolescents 13 years and older. Cesarean delivery was not protective against oral HPV infection; in fact, half of the HPV-positive infants were born by cesarean delivery.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis of the larynx: current diagnosis and treatment

Treating children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis can be very rewarding as more information is learned about human papillomavirus. The future goals are reducing the morbidity and mortality of this disease process. The establishment of the national recurrent respiratory papillomatosis patient registry and coordinated efforts between basic scientists involved in human papillomavirus research and clinicians involved in the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis should aid the endeavor.

Risk factors for juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

BACKGROUND

Children born to condylomatous mothers are at risk for developing juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP). We inquired whether the triad of vaginal delivery, being firstborn and maternal age of <20 years are also risk factors for JORRP.

METHODS

Data for JORRP and adult onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis cases were obtained from questionnaires answered by patients or their parents for the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation. The observed numbers of cesarean births, first order births and births to mothers <20 years old were compared with expected numbers for the same variables, which were computed by distributing the cases by year of birth and then applying to them national annual statistics for the year of birth. In addition observed and expected numbers of first order births to mothers <20 years old were compared with corresponding numbers in mothers 20 years old or older.

RESULTS

In JORRP cases the relationships be tween observed and expected numbers of cases were as follows: cesarean births, 4.6-fold less; first order births, 1.6-fold greater; maternal age <20 years old, 2.6-fold greater. All these differences were statistically highly significant. The observed parity effect was mediated to a large extent by maternal age. In contrast there were no significant differences between observed and expected numbers of adult onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis cases with respect to any of the above variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Young primiparous mothers with condylomas are at a high risk for transmission of JORRP to their infants. The option of cesarean delivery should be discussed with a mother who has condyloma at the time of delivery.