Pubmed
BMJ. 1993 Mar 20;306(6880):749-52.
Burger MP, Hollema H, Gouw AS, Pieters WJ, Quint WG.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Groningen, Netherlands.
Comment in:
BMJ. 1993 May 8;306(6887):1269.
BMJ. 1993 May 8;306(6887):1269.
BMJ. 1993 May 8;306(6887):1268-9.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between two risk factors for cervical neoplasia: smoking and infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus. It has been suggested that smoking causes a local immunological defect, which could facilitate the infection and persistence of human papillomavirus.
DESIGN: Cross sectional epidemiological study. Completion of a structured questionnaire by the patients, analysis of cervical scrapes for human papillomavirus, and morphological examination of biopsy specimens.
SETTING: Outpatient gynaecological clinic.
SUBJECTS: 181 women with a report of cervical cytological abnormality.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus and smoking habits.