Antiandrogen therapy with spironolactone for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Efficacy of spironolactone in treating hidradenitis suppurativa in women of childbearing age: a single-center retrospective analysis

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease characterized by recurrent nodules that affect areas with a high density of apocrine sweat glands, such as the axillae and groin. Androgens are implicated in the pathophysiology of HS. Therefore, spironolactone, an antiandrogen therapy, is recommended. However, data on its use in women of childbearing age are limited, especially since its antiandrogenic effects may affect menstruation, fertility, and pubertal development.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of spironolactone in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa in women of childbearing age and to identify factors associated with treatment response.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on female patients aged 12 to 50 with HS treated with spironolactone at Michigan Medicine dermatology clinics from 2000 to 2021. The patients' demographic data, HS characteristics, and spironolactone responses were examined. Statistical assessments were performed to determine the efficacy indicators.

Results

Of the 157 patients reviewed, 31 showed an improvement in treatment. Variables such as axillary involvement, previous treatment failures, and use of intralesional steroids were linked to a lack of improvement in spironolactone. Through adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis, a significant association was observed between improvement status and Hurley stage 3 (odds ratio = 0.15 [95% CI: 0.02-0.79], P = .036), suggesting that patients with Hurley stage 3 were 85% less likely to exhibit improvement in spironolactone therapy.

Limitations

The study's retrospective nature and reliance on single-center data can limit generalizability. The sample size is limited and therefore affects the study's statistical power.

Conclusion

Thus, spironolactone may offer therapeutic benefits for HS in women of childbearing age. However, patients with severe disease (Hurley stage 3) had reduced response rates. Further prospective studies are recommended to validate these findings and determine the most suitable patient profile for spironolactone therapy for HS.

Taiwanese Dermatological Association (TDA) consensus recommendations for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory follicular disease characterized by painful, recurrent, inflamed lesions most commonly occurring in the axillary, inguinal, and anogenital regions. HS can inflict immense physical and psychological impact on patients who suffer from this distressing disease. Management of HS generally requires combining various medical and procedural treatment modalities; however, the disease is often recalcitrant to conventional treatments. In light of recent evidence supporting the effectiveness of biologic agents in the treatment of HS, the Taiwanese Dermatological Association established an expert panel of nine dermatologists to develop consensus statements aimed to provide up-to-date evidence-based guidance in optimizing HS patient management in Taiwan. The recommendations described in the statements were summarized in a management algorithm in terms of general care, topical treatment, systemic treatment, and procedural treatment.

Metformin: A Potential Treatment for Acne, Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Rosacea

Metformin is a widely used drug for treatment of diabetes mellitus, due to its safety and efficacy. In addition to its role as an antidiabetic drug, numerous beneficial effects of metformin have enabled its use in various diseases. Considering the anti-androgenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic and antioxidant properties of metformin, it may have the potential to improve chronic inflammatory skin diseases. However, further evidence is needed to confirm the efficacy of metformin in dermatological conditions, This review focuses on exploring the therapeutic targets of metformin in acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa and rosacea, by studying their pathogeneses.

Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction Associated With Intramuscular Triamcinolone Therapy for Acute Flares of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

BACKGROUND

A lack of consensus exists regarding acute flare management in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Intramuscular triamcinolone (IMTAC) therapy is useful in numerous inflammatory conditions; however, it has not been investigated for acute HS flares.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and patient experience associated with IMTAC therapy for acute, severe HS flares.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis and surveys of 45 HS patients were conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Montefiore HS Center, Bronx, NY, USA.

RESULTS

Follow-up visits 6.77 (4.45) weeks after IMTAC therapy revealed significant reductions in mean HS-Physician Global Assessment (PGA) (P < .001), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (P = .03), increased hemoglobin (P = .004), and improved pain scores (P < .001). Adjusting for age, sex and concomitant medications, multivariate analysis yielded significantly reduced pain (P = .02) and increased hemoglobin (P = .03). Patient surveys indicate that IMTAC was well-tolerated, as reflected in positive mean responses for satisfaction (29 [64%]) and willingness to receive IMTAC injections again (42 [93%]).

CONCLUSIONS

These novel findings demonstrate that IMTAC is a safe, effective, and well accepted adjunct for acute HS management.

Systematic review of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of available literature regarding the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and ALA derivative photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and provide recommendations on its use.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed of all published studies up to September 1, 2019 from nine databases, including PubMed, that evaluated PDT in the treatment of HS. For each study, quality of evidence and risk of bias was evaluated. Recommendations from the body of evidence were created based on Strength of Recommendation and Taxonomy (SORT) criteria.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies had a high risk of bias. Blue light PDT with 20% ALA and red light PDT with 16% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) demonstrated some benefit based on a small number of poor-quality studies with a high risk of bias (Grade C, level III evidence). The most promising results were for 1%-5% ALA with intralesional diode, with good to complete response in 78%-94% of anatomic sites treated (Grade B, level II evidence).

LIMITATIONS

The majority of studies contained high levels of bias, with significant heterogeneity between studies. Conclusions are limited by small samples sizes, lack of randomized controlled trials, and differing protocols.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of 20% ALA with blue light and MAL with red light. Intralesional diode PDT shows the most promise and warrants further investigation in larger, randomized controlled trials.

Current Medical and Surgical Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa-A Comprehensive Review

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease presenting with recurrent inflammatory lesions in intertriginous body regions. HS has a pronounced impact on patients' quality of life and is associated with a variety of comorbidities. Treatment of HS is often complex, requiring an individual approach with medical and surgical treatments available. However, especially in moderate-to-severe HS, there is an urgent need for new treatment approaches. In recent years, increased research has led to the identification of new potential therapeutic targets. This review aims to give a comprehensive and practical overview of current treatment options for HS. Furthermore, the clinically most advanced novel treatment approaches will be discussed.

The Role of Hormones in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease manifesting in inverse body regions. In a systematic review, the role of hormones in HS will be presented to better understand the pathomechanisms of HS. The review is based on the PRISMA criteria. Systematic research was carried out using keywords. Subsequently, the data were analyzed based on the clinical response and other relevant information. The main focus of our systematic review was on HS manifestation, exacerbation, sex hormones, antiandrogen therapy, thyroid function, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, and adipokines. In HS, there appears to be a dysregulated adipokine release that is shifted towards pro-inflammatory adipokines. Insulin resistance is significantly more common in HS than in healthy patients regardless of BMI, age, and gender. Insulin resistance in HS patients leads to further cardiovascular disease. The mechanism of insulin resistance and role of adipokines should be investigated in future studies to better provide the pathomechanisms of HS. The role of androgens seems to be important in a certain subgroup of female patients. Anti-androgenic therapy can be useful and helpful in some patients. However, further studies are needed to better understand the hormonal relationship in HS.

Practical Guidelines for Managing Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Update

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by the formation of comedones, papules, nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts in the axillary, inframammary, groin, and gluteal areas. Up to 3.8% of the Canadian population has HS, though due to a lack of awareness of HS, many patients are initially misdiagnosed and do not receive adequate treatment early on in the disease course. Once a diagnosis of HS is made, developing an effective management plan can be a dilemma for many providers. There is significant variability in response to any given therapy within the HS patient population and many HS patients have other medical comorbidities which must be taken into consideration. The aim of this review is to provide a practical approach for all healthcare providers to diagnose and manage HS and its associated comorbidities. A sample electronic medical record template for HS management was developed by the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation Executive Board and is intended for use in clinical settings. This will help to increase collaboration between primary healthcare providers, dermatologists, and other medical specialists and ultimately improve the quality of care that HS patients receive.

Medical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Non-Biologic Therapy: What's New?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a severe chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the hair follicle unit that can cause painful abscesses, nodules, tunnels, and tracts in intertriginous parts of the body. The disease can often result in disfigurement and adversely impact patient quality of life. The management of HS has expanded significantly over the past decade to include multiple modalities, including topical therapies, systemic therapies (non-biologics and biologics), surgical therapies, lifestyle changes, and management of comorbidities. Management can often be clinically challenging and may involve the combination of medical and surgical approaches for optimal results. The purpose of this review is to present an update on non-biologic and non-interventional modalities published in 2019-2021 in the clinical management of HS. With emerging therapies, ongoing clinical trials, and heightened awareness about HS, there is hope that new treatment options will revolutionize the management of patients suffering from HS.

Beneficial Extracardiac Effects of Cardiovascular Medications

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide, with cardiovascular medications being amongst the most common medications prescribed. These medications have diverse effects on the heart, vascular system, as well as other tissues and organ systems. The extra cardiovascular effects have been found to be of use in the treatment of non-cardiovascular diseases and pathologies. Minoxidil is used to manage systemic hypertension with its well-known side effect of hirsutism used to treat alopecia and baldness. Sildenafil was originally investigated as a treatment option for systemic hypertension; however, its side effect of penile erection led to it being widely used for erectile dysfunction. Alpha-1 blockers such as terazosin are indicated to treat systemic hypertension but are more commonly used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Beta blockers are the mainstay treatment for congestive heart failure and systemic hypertension but have been found useful to help in patients with intention tremors as well as prophylaxis of migraines. Similarly, calcium channel blockers are indicated in medical expulsion therapy for ureteric calculi in addition to their cardiovascular indications. Thiazides are commonly used for treating systemic hypertension and as diuretics. Thiazides can cause hypocalciuria and hypercalcemia. This side effect has led to thiazides being used to treat idiopathic hypercalciuria and associated nephrolithiasis. Spironolactone is commonly utilized in treating heart failure and as a diuretic for edema. It's well described anti-androgen side effects have been used for acne vulgaris and hirsutism in polycystic ovarian syndrome. This review article discusses how the various extracardiovascular effects of commonly used cardiovascular medications are put to use in managing non-cardiovascular conditions.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Disease pathophysiology and sex hormones

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a cutaneous chronic inflammatory disease that is estimated to affect about 1% of the population and caused pain, malodorous discharge, disfigurement, and poor quality of life with psychosocial problems. The typical features are recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts on the axillae, groins, gluteal areas, and anogenital regions since postpuberty. Smoking and obesity are two major triggering factors of hidradenitis suppurativa. Women are prone to have hidradenitis suppurativa than men in Western countries, but the male-to-female ratio is reversed in oriental countries. The disease severity can be affected by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Furthermore, the phenotypes are different among men and women with hidradenitis suppurativa. Men are prone to have buttock involvement while women are prone to have axillary, groins, and submammary lesions. This review introduces the skin appendages and pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa and then focuses on the sex difference and the effects of sex hormones on hidradenitis suppurativa and current hormone-associated treatments.

Antiandrogen therapy in hidradenitis suppurativa: finasteride for females

BACKGROUND

Given its widely accepted efficacy, androgen blockade therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has become a standard of care. Although much less frequently used than spironolactone, a small number of HS studies have reported finasteride as an alternative treatment for women. In this study, we describe the response to and perception of finasteride therapy in a diverse cohort of women with HS.

AIM

To describe finasteride therapy in a diverse cohort of female patients with HS.

METHODS

We conducted an institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review and telephone survey of 20 female patients aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of HS. Finasteride was prescribed by a single provider at a specialized HS centre.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 34.3 ± 13.5 years. Finasteride was initiated predominantly because of one or more contraindications or poor responsiveness to spironolactone. Most patients interviewed (90%; n = 18) were willing to take finasteride again or continue with therapy if indicated. Of the 20 patients, 10 (50%) reported overall satisfaction with finasteride, while 7 (35%) were neutral and 3 (15%) were dissatisfied. No patient reported worsening disease activity while on finasteride and only one (5%) reported decreased quality of life. When asked about adverse effects of finasteride, 80% (n = 16) reported none, while 20% (n = 4) experienced ≥ 1 of the following: headache, nausea, menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness or reduced libido/sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that androgen blockade therapy with finasteride is a safe and effective alternative for female patients with HS who have contraindication(s) or intolerance to spironolactone.

A Systematic Review of Promising Therapeutic Targets in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Critical Evaluation of Mechanistic and Clinical Relevance

This systematic review identifies and critically evaluates the mechanistic and clinical evidence of new promising therapeutic targets in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Evidence for these targets is largely based on observational data with limited ex vivo and translational data from clinical trials. A number of placebo-controlled studies have been completed or are underway utilizing IL-1, IL-23, IL-17, complement, and Jak inhibition, although there is concern regarding elevated placebo response rates and the questionable validity of clinical scores in some participant subsets. Knowledge gaps are identified suggesting a direction for future mechanistic studies in HS, including more comprehensive inflammatory endotype profiling of disease.

Characterizing perimenstrual flares of hidradenitis suppurativa

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) predominantly affects women of childbearing age, and sex hormones are thought to play a role in HS pathogenesis. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the pattern of HS perimenstrual flares, as well as patient responses to hormone-based therapies.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize the temporal pattern of perimenstrual flares, as well as factors associated with perimenstrual flares. We also sought to investigate responses to hormonal therapies in women with HS.

METHODS

An anonymous web-based questionnaire was distributed to various online HS support groups in May 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 283 participants met the inclusion criteria as adult women who self-reported having HS and menstrual cycles. The majority (176 of 282 women; 62.4%) reported HS worsening with menses, and 86.9% (153 of 176 women) noted that perimenstrual HS flares occurred always or often. Most women (138 of 175 women; 78.9%) reported that their HS flared in the week preceding menses. Perimenstrual HS flares were more likely in women with a family history of HS compared with those without (49.6% vs. 28.2%; p = .019). More than a third of respondents who had been treated with spironolactone reported improvement of HS symptoms, but more than a quarter of participants who used medroxyprogesterone acetate or used a hormonal intrauterine device reported worsened HS symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Female patients with HS have high rates of perimenstrual HS flares, specifically during the week preceding the onset of menses. Additional investigations on the role of sex hormones in HS pathogenesis and the efficacy of hormone-based therapies are warranted.

Spironolactone in dermatology: uses in acne and beyond

Spironolactone is a synthetic aldosterone receptor antagonist, with a role off-label in various dermatological conditions. Its antiandrogenic properties make it suitable for diseases in which excess androgen production results in unwanted and psychologically distressing manifestations in susceptible females. Treatment with spironolactone aims to attenuate androgen-mediated conditions including acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, female pattern hair loss and hirsutism. We discuss the emerging utility of spironolactone in dermatology, its potential adverse effects and considerations for monitoring.

Medical and Surgical Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review of International Treatment Guidelines and Implementation in General Dermatology Practice

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic painful skin disease that severely impairs patients' quality of life. While high-quality trials of HS therapies remain limited, medical knowledge of best treatment practices is rapidly evolving, leading to the recent publication of multiple international treatment guidelines for HS.

SUMMARY

This review compares international HS treatment guidelines, describes evidence for effectiveness of common and emerging HS therapies, and provides guidance for integrating evidence-based HS care into practice. Although over 50 medical and procedural treatments are mentioned across international HS guidelines, only adalimumab and infliximab have grade B/weak recommendation or higher across all major guidelines. This review describes the appropriate patient selection and effectiveness of the most commonly used medical and procedural treatments for HS. It also includes recommendations for counseling, dosing, and duration of medical therapies as well as procedure videos for the practicing dermatologist.

Emerging medical treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting intertriginous skin areas, and it is characterized by recurrent painful episodes of inflammatory drainage. Although the pathophysiology of HS is not fully understood, recent research points to an imbalance of cytokines as a contributing factor to the associated symptoms of purulent drainage and sinus tract formation. HS lesions are often characterized by a superimposed pathogenic/commensal bacterial infection that can improve with targeted antibiotic therapy. New medical treatments have emerged in recent years, many of which specifically work against a variety of proinflammatory mediators associated with HS. These newer, specified treatment options, in conjunction with surgery and lasers, are thought to provide positive outcomes and an overall improvement in quality of life in patients with HS.

A concise clinician's guide to therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, often debilitating, skin condition that historically does not respond well to treatment. Although there is no cure for HS, symptoms can be managed if the appropriate diagnosis is made. HS most commonly develops in postpubertal women and manifests as painful, deep-seated, inflamed lesions, including nodules, sinus tracts, and abscesses. HS flares are marked by increased pain and suppuration at varying intervals and can occur in women before menstruation. HS is commonly misdiagnosed; physicians might mistake a lesion for an infection, abscess, or sexually transmitted infection. Incision and drainage of these lesions often leads to recurrence. Given that management of this chronic disease is often difficult, we sought to outline current diagnosis and management strategies for HS.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS; also designated as acne inversa) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects the intertriginous skin and is associated with numerous systemic comorbidities. The estimated prevalence of HS is ~1% in most studied countries. Typically starting in early adulthood, cutaneous inflamed nodules, abscesses and pus-discharging tunnels develop in axillary, inguinal, gluteal and perianal body sites. The comorbidities of HS include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, which contribute to reduced life expectancy. A genetic predisposition, smoking, obesity and hormonal factors are established aetiological factors for HS. Cutaneous changes seem to start around hair follicles and involve activation of cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, with pivotal roles for pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor, IL-1β and IL-17. The unrestricted and chronic immune response eventually leads to severe pain, pus discharge, irreversible tissue destruction and scar development. HS has profound negative effects on patients' quality of life, which often culminate in social withdrawal, unemployment, depression and suicidal thoughts. The therapeutic options for HS comprise antibiotic treatment, neutralization of tumour necrosis factor and surgical intervention together with lifestyle modification. Nevertheless, there is an enormous need for awareness of HS, understanding of its pathogenesis and novel treatments.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Current Understanding of Pathogenic Mechanisms and Suggestion for Treatment Algorithm

Hidradenitis suppurativa is one of the most distressing dermatological conditions and has a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life. However, the exact pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood and-therefore-efficient therapies are still lacking. The current manuscript focuses on new findings on its pathogenic mechanisms and aims to provide practical therapy recommendations.

Special considerations for women with hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating disease that manifests as painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scars with a predilection for intertriginous sites. HS disproportionately affects women of childbearing age and often leads to impairments in patients' health-related quality of life. Women with HS face unique challenges related to menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation that require additional strategies for optimization of management. Practical interventions include lifestyle modifications, treatment of premenstrual HS flares, enhancing HS management during pregnancy, and creating optimal delivery plans in collaboration with obstetricians. This discussion is based on expert recommendations and aims to highlight the special challenges for women with HS, as well as provide a practical discourse on optimizing care of female patients with HS.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Current and emerging treatments

The treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has remained challenging because of the many knowledge gaps regarding etiology. However, recent studies into the pathogenesis of HS have enabled the investigation of newer therapies. The second article in this continuing medical education series reviews the evidence for established therapies for HS, including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and surgery. New and emerging therapies that specifically target cytokines involved in HS pathogenesis will be covered. The potential therapeutic roles of anticytokine therapies, including both the expanded application of existing molecules as well as the specific development of novel therapies for HS are discussed. With increased attention on HS and with numerous clinical trials currently underway, we hope that the variety of treatment options for HS will be expanded.

Should Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa Undergo LASIK?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease with immune dysregulation. While eye manifestations of HS are rare, a dilemma arises when these patients seek treatment for refractive errors. Although excimer laser surgery can be safely performed in patients with autoimmune and immune-mediated inflammatory disease, there are caveats. Aside from the routine laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) screening tests, in some instances, we recommend additional screening tests in patients with HS, such as dry eye tests, consultation with specialists regarding HS diagnosis and treatment, careful assessment of the eyelids and periorbital structures, and thorough history of past and current lesions and treatments. After these patients undergo LASIK, careful, frequent, and long-term follow-up is necessary. Any adverse event or complication should be managed immediately. FUNDING: Research to Prevent Blindness funded the study. Hoopes Vision funded the Rapid Service Fees.

Is There a Role for Antiandrogen Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa? A Systematic Review of Published Data

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa is a disease with deep-seated chronic painful nodules, abscesses, and draining sinus tracts, which manifests on the apocrine gland-rich skin areas of the body. Observational findings demonstrate that the disease usually appears after puberty, exhibits pre-menstrual flares in women, improves in pregnancy, and worsens post-partum, which indicates a role of hormones and particularly of androgens in its pathophysiology. Because increased androgen levels in serum have not been widely reported, an end-organ androgen hypersensitivity has been postulated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify and present evidence for antiandrogen therapeutic options for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in different medical electronic databases using the keywords "hidradenitis", "suppurativa", "acne inversa", and "antiandrogen" on 1 December, 2018. The main therapeutic options were subsequently used as separate keywords with the disease terms in a separate search.

RESULTS

The main therapeutic options yielded were cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, finasteride, and metformin. One randomized controlled crossover trial and seven case series were identified following use of a standard extraction form for eligibility.

CONCLUSION

The existing studies do not allow a robust evidence-based recommendation for the use of antiandrogens in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to define the role of hormonal treatment as an alternative or concomitant therapy together with antibiotics or biologics.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and polycystic ovarian syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hidradenitis suppurativa has been associated with a number of pathologies, including various endocrine and autoimmune disorders. Although signs of hyperandrogenism are common in hidradenitis suppurativa, few formal studies have assessed the relationship between hidradenitis suppurativa and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between hidradenitis suppurativa and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. Odds ratio was used as the effect size, with random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified five case-control studies for inclusion. From pooled data, we found a significantly higher proportion of polycystic ovarian syndrome in hidradenitis suppurativa cases compared with controls (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.69-4.11; P < 0.00001). There was significant heterogeneity noted (I²  = 88%, P < 0.00001). Limitations included that studies reviewed were observational by design which are susceptible to bias, and lack of randomisation.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, pooled analysis of existing case-control studies supports a significant association between hidradenitis suppurativa and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Our results imply that hidradenitis suppurativa patients with signs of hyperandrogenism may benefit from screening for polycystic ovarian syndrome, and may potentially benefit from anti-androgen therapy.