Abstract
BACKGROUND
Prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure is associated with an excess risk of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and cervix, and of high-grade squamous neoplasia.
OBJECTIVE
We explored whether neoplasia risk remains elevated among DES-exposed women as they age.
STUDY DESIGN
In all, 4062 DES-exposed and 1837 unexposed daughters were followed for approximately 30 years (1982 through 2013) for pathology-confirmed diagnoses of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade ≥2 (CIN2+) of the lower genital tract (n = 178). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated adjusting for birth year and individual study cohort.
RESULTS
The cumulative incidence of CIN2+ in the DES-exposed group was 5.3% (95% CI, 4.1-6.5%) and in the unexposed group was 2.6% (95% CI, 1.5-3.7%). The HR for DES and CIN2+ was 1.98 (95% CI, 1.33-2.94), and was similar with further adjustment for frequency of cervical cancer screening (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.33-2.93). The HR was 2.10 (95% CI, 1.41-3.13) with additional adjustment for other potential confounders. The HR for DES exposure was elevated through age 44 years (age 15th week (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.59-2.20).
Prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure and high-grade squamous cell neoplasia of the lower genital tract, American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, NCBI PMID: 26979629, 2016 Mar 12.
Full study ajog.
CONCLUSION
CIN2+ incidence was higher among the DES exposed, particularly those with early gestational exposure and VEC. The HR for DES and CIN2+ remained positive and significant until the mid-40s, confirming that the recommendation of annual cytological screening among these women is appropriate. Whether those ≥45 years of age continue to require increased screening is unclear, and would require a careful weighing of possible risks and benefits.
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