Recurrent Papillomatosis of the Larynx. Etiological Aspects, Risk Factors and the Prognosis of Clinical Evolution: A Review of Literature

Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis is a benign condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is characterized by recurrent proliferation of papillomas in the respiratory tract and can occur in both children and adults. There is currently no curable treatment for PLR. Only surgical procedures are needed to improve voice quality and prevent respiratory obstruction. The aim of the study is to evaluate the etiological aspects, risk factors and prognosis of the clinical evolution of recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis according to the literature review. Review was done on data base-based on literature: Embase, MedLine, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, using various keyword combinations related to the etiology of laryngeal papillomatosis, risk factors, and disease severity. Seven long-term studies were analyzed, which showed that RLP occurs more frequently in patients with pathological laryngopharyngeal reflux that was diagnosed in 8/20 (40.0%) adults and 5/11 children (45.5%). Moreover, logistic regression revealed that only age at onset was associated with aggressive disease in young people, while HPV-11 and observation time> 10 years were risk factors in adults. RLP associated with HPV-11 behaves more aggressively: younger patients with HPV-11 and older with HPV-6 develop more severe clinical evolution. Laryngopharyngeal reflux may be a risk factor in the development of laryngeal papillomatosis, by activating or reactivating a latent HPV infection.Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis is a benign condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is characterized by recurrent proliferation of papillomas in the respiratory tract and can occur in both children and adults. There is currently no curable treatment for PLR. Only surgical procedures are needed to improve voice quality and prevent respiratory obstruction. The aim of the study is to evaluate the etiological aspects, risk factors and prognosis of the clinical evolution of recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis according to the literature review. Review was done on data base-based on literature: Embase, MedLine, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, using various keyword combinations related to the etiology of laryngeal papillomatosis, risk factors, and disease severity. Seven long-term studies were analyzed, which showed that RLP occurs more frequently in patients with pathological laryngopharyngeal reflux that was diagnosed in 8/20 (40.0%) adults and 5/11 children (45.5%). Moreover, logistic regression revealed that only age at onset was associated with aggressive disease in young people, while HPV-11 and observation time> 10 years were risk factors in adults. RLP associated with HPV-11 behaves more aggressively: younger patients with HPV-11 and older with HPV-6 develop more severe clinical evolution. Laryngopharyngeal reflux may be a risk factor in the development of laryngeal papillomatosis, by activating or reactivating a latent HPV infection