Topical treatment of anal condylomata with Propionibacterium acnes lysate: results of a multicentric observational study.

BACKGROUND

Condylomata are a manifestation of HPV infection of the ano-genital epithelium. Recurrence is frequent after any type of treatment (from 20% up to 50%). We assessed the use of a gel containing panthenol, tocopheryl acetate and Propionibacterium extract in the treatment of anal warts.

METHODS

Enrollment period was from January 15 to June 15, 2018. Main exclusion criteria were immunodepression, extensive condylomatosis and other treatments (topical/ablative) in the previous six months.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were included. Median age was 33 years (19-65), 72.2% were males. Median number of partners and symptoms duration were 6 (1-98) and 3 months (1-18), respectively. Almost all cases had perianal disease (97.5%), while endoanal warts were present in 51.9% of cases. After 30 days of treatment, complete regression occurred in 17 (21.5%) patients, while partial or absent response was reported in 36 (45.6%) and 26 (32.9%) cases, respectively. Forty-seven (59.5%) patients underwent a second month of topical therapy. After a 6-month follow-up, complete or partial response was reported in 53 (67.1%) patients, while in 26 (32.9%) cases the disease remained stable or even worsened. Nineteen (24.1%) patients required cryotherapy, 23 (29.1%) surgical excision, while 2 (2.5%) needed both cryotherapy and surgery. Absence of clinical response was associated with a number of partners ≥10 and symptoms duration of 6 months or shorter (P<0.001 and P=0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the gel containing P. acnes lysate was a safe topical treatment for perianal and endoanal condylomata and could help to overcome HPV infection. A high number of partners and short symptoms duration appeared to worsen the outcome.