Imiquimod vs Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Genital Warts: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Warts are the most easily recognized symptom of genital HPV infection.Genital warts are sexually transmitted disease caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV).Study was done to compare the efficacy of 5% imiquimod vs cryotherapy in the treatment of genital warts, to evaluate any adverse reactions occurred due to treatmenta and to evaluate any recurrences after treatment.Material and methods: Cases of genital warts attending the Department of DVL, osmania general Hospital for a Duration of 24 months from January 2016 to December 2017.Sample size: Total 40 patients, 20 in each group.Results: On comparison of clearance weeks and the treatment given it was observed that there was a significantly higher and early clearance rate with cryotherapy p <0.05.There was no significant difference in occurrence of adverse reaction in either of treatment groups statistically (p >0.05).Recurrence was observed in 10% cases of cryotherapy group and there were no recurrence reported in imiquimod group in the present study.Conclusion: Clearance of warts with Imiquimod takes long time when compared to cryotherapy.Occurance of adverse reactions is almost equal in two groups.Recurrence reported in cryotherapy but not in Imiquimod group.