Intralesional Triamcinolone May Not Be Beneficial for Treating Acute Hidradenitis Suppurativa Lesions: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Essentials of hidradenitis suppurativa: a comprehensive review of diagnostic and treatment perspectives

Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with recurrent inflammatory nodules, abscesses, subcutaneous tracts, and scars. This condition may cause severe psychological distress and reduce the quality of life for affected individuals. It is considered to have one of the most damaging effects on quality of life of any skin disorder as a result of the discomfort and foul-smelling discharge from these lesions. Although the pathophysiology of HS is still unclear, multiple factors, including lifestyle, genetic, and hormonal factors, have been associated with it. The pathogenesis of HS is very complex and has wide clinical manifestations; thus, it is quite challenging to manage and often requires the use of combination treatments that must be tailored according to disease severity and other patient-specific factors. Although lifestyle changes, weight loss, quitting smoking, topical treatments, and oral antibiotics are adequate for mild cases, the challenge for healthcare professionals is dealing with moderate-to-severe HS, which often does not respond well to traditional approaches. This literature review, consisting of an overview of the various assessment tools and therapy strategies available for the diagnosis and treatment of HS from published literature, aims to be a guide for practicing clinicians in dealing with the complexities associated with this disease.

Topical and Intralesional Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Topical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their use is limited. The aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of topical and IL treatments in patients with HS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We designed a systematic review of the current medical literature available following the PICO(T) method. And including all types of studies (Study type [T]) of individuals with HS of any sex, age, and ethnicity (Population [P]) who received any topical or IL treatment for HS (Intervention [I]) compared to placebo, other treatments, or no treatment at all (Comparator [C]), and reported efficacy and/or safety outcomes (Outcomes [O]). Two outcomes were defined: quality of life and the no. of patients with, at least, one adverse event. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase databases; study selection was performed based on pre-defined criteria. The risk of bias was determined in each study.

RESULTS

We obtained a total of 11,363 references, 31 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 1143 patients with HS, 62% of whom were women. A total of 10, 8, 6, 2, and 5 studies, respectively, evaluated the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), glucocorticoids, resorcinol, topical antibiotics, and other interventions. Most articles were case series (n=25), with only five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study. RCTs showed improvement in disease activity with topical clindamycin and botulinum toxin (BTX) vs placebo, and PDT with methylene blue (MB) niosomal vs free MB; however, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was not superior to placebo. The risk of bias was low in three RCTs and high in two RCTs.

CONCLUSION

The quality of evidence supporting the use of topical, or IL treatments is low. However, it supports the use of topical clindamycin, PDT, and BTX. Well-designed RCTs with standardized outcomes and homogeneous populations of patients and lesions are needed to support decision-making in the routine clinical practice.

Topical and Intralesional Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Topical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their use is limited. The aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of topical and IL treatments in patients with HS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We designed a systematic review of the current medical literature available following the PICO(T) method. And including all types of studies (Study type [T]) of individuals with HS of any sex, age, and ethnicity (Population [P]) who received any topical or IL treatment for HS (Intervention [I]) compared to placebo, other treatments, or no treatment at all (Comparator [C]), and reported efficacy and/or safety outcomes (Outcomes [O]). Two outcomes were defined: quality of life and the no. of patients with, at least, one adverse event. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases; study selection was performed based on pre-defined criteria. The risk of bias was determined in each study.

RESULTS

We obtained a total of 11,363 references, 31 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 1143 patients with HS, 62% of whom were women. A total of 10, 8, 6, 2, and 5 studies, respectively, evaluated the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), glucocorticoids, resorcinol, topical antibiotics, and other interventions. Most articles were case series (n=25), with only five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study. RCTs showed improvement in disease activity with topical clindamycin and botulinum toxin (BTX) vs placebo, and PDT with methylene blue (MB) niosomal vs free MB; however, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was not superior to placebo. The risk of bias was low in three RCTs and high in two RCTs.

CONCLUSION

The quality of evidence supporting the use of topical, or IL treatments is low. However, it supports the use of topical clindamycin, PDT, and BTX. Well-designed RCTs with standardized outcomes and homogeneous populations of patients and lesions are needed to support decision-making in the routine clinical practice.

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.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Children and Adolescents: An Update on Pharmacologic Treatment Options

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin condition that manifests as painful, deep-seated, inflamed nodules and abscesses in the axillary, groin, perianal, perineal, and inframammary regions. The associated pain, malodour, and disfigurement contribute to its profound negative impact on psychosocial spheres and overall quality of life in affected individuals. Although the symptoms of HS classically begin in the second or third decade of life, HS affects children and adolescents as well. Despite this, there are limited pediatric data on treatment, which are largely based on expert opinion, extrapolation of efficacy data in adults with HS, and safety information from medication use in other pediatric diseases. On this basis, there exist several pharmacological modalities in the treatment of children and adolescents with HS including topical therapies, systemic therapies, and biologics. The goals of this review article are to: (1) review the efficacy of different pharmacological treatment modalities in children and adolescents with HS, and (2) review the safety and monitoring considerations of the different treatment options in children and adolescents with 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.

Intralesional Treatments in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory chronic disease with difficult management. In some scenarios, intralesional (IL) treatments could be useful. However, the scientific evidence available is limited and heterogeneous. We aimed to synthesize the available scientific evidence on IL treatments in HS. We conducted a systematic review in July 2021. The clinical databases reviewed included MEDLINE and Embase. All types of epidemiological studies and case series with at least 10 patients were included; reviews, guidelines, protocols, conference abstracts, case series with less than 10 patients, and case reports were excluded. Fifteen articles representing 599 patients and 1,032 lesions were included for review. Corticosteroid injections were the most reported treatment. They showed effectiveness for the treatment of acute inflammatory lesions and fistulas in terms of reduction of lesion counts, symptoms, and signs of inflammation and were safe in general terms. Light-based therapies were the other main treatment group, including photodynamic therapy and 1,064-nm diode laser. They were also effective, but more local and systemic adverse events were reported. Other treatments included botulinum toxin type B and punch-trocar-assisted cryoinsufflation (cryopunch). They were effective and safe, although were reported anecdotally. The main limitation of the systematic review was the general quality of the articles included. In conclusion, IL treatments such as corticosteroid injections and light-based therapies seem to be effective and safe for both acute inflammatory lesions and fistulas, although more prospective studies, with higher sample sizes and with standardized outcomes are needed to provide more scientific evidence on the subject.

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.

New perspectives on the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the presence of painful nodules, abscesses, chronically draining fistulas, and scarring in apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body. The exact pathogenesis of HS is not yet well understood, but there is a consensus in considering HS a multifactorial disease with a genetic predisposition, an inflammatory dysregulation, and an influence of environmental modifying factors. Therapeutic approach of HS is challenging due to the wide clinical manifestations of the disease and the complex pathogenesis. This review describes evidence for effectiveness of current and emerging HS therapies. Topical therapy, systemic treatments, biological agents, surgery, and light therapy have been used for HS with variable results. Adalimumab is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved biologic agent for moderate-to-severe HS, but new therapeutic options are being studied, targeting different specific cytokines involved in HS pathogenesis. Comparing treatment outcomes between therapies is difficult due to the lack of randomized controlled trials. Treatment strategy should be selected in concordance to disease severity and requires combination of treatments in most cases.

Vulvoperineal Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Deformities

Importance

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory disorder affecting skin of intertriginous areas that is often encountered and treated by nondermatologic specialists.

Objective

The purpose of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive, clinical source of information on HS as it relates to incidence of disease, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and overall management of this condition.

Evidence Acquisition

Sources were obtained through a comprehensive literature search using PubMed and PMC. Various terms were used to query the database, including "hidradenitis suppurativa," "pathogenesis," "prevalence," "management," "surgery," "perineal," and "vulva."

Results

Underreported prevalence and unknown pathogenesis have subsequently led to variable approaches in clinical management, often employing a combination of medical and surgical management.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis and treatment of HS may lead to better disease control and minimize patients' associated morbidity related to disease.

Relevance

Knowledge of vulvoperineal hidradenitis is necessary for gynecologists and primary care physicians to ensure early diagnosis, management, and referral for optimal patient outcomes.

Trends in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Severity and Quality of Life Outcome Measures: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Although there has been an increase in the number of randomized controlled trials evaluating treatment efficacy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), instrument measurements of disease severity and quality of life (QoL) are varied, making the compilation of data and comparisons between studies a challenge for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to perform a systematic literature search to examine the recent trends in the use of disease severity and QoL outcome instruments in randomized controlled trials that have been conducted on patients with HS.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in February 2021. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were used to identify all articles published from January 1964 to February 2021. In total, 41 articles were included in this systematic review.

RESULTS

The HS Clinical Response (HiSCR) score (18/41, 44%) was the most commonly used instrument for disease severity, followed by the Sartorius and Modified Sartorius scales (combined: 16/41, 39%). The Dermatology Life Quality Index (18/41, 44%) and visual analogue pain scales (12/41, 29%) were the most commonly used QoL outcome instruments in HS research.

CONCLUSIONS

Randomized controlled trials conducted from 2013 onward commonly used the validated HiSCR score, while older studies were more heterogeneous and less likely to use a validated scale. A few (6/18, 33%) QoL measures were validated instruments but were not specific to HS; therefore, they may not be representative of all factors that impact patients with HS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

National Institute of Health Research PROSPERO CRD42020209582; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020209582.

Ultrasound-guided injection of intralesional steroids in acute hidradenitis suppurativa lesions: A prospective study

The management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) flares with intralesional steroids lacks strong scientific evidence but limited data suggest that it may be useful. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical and ultrasound responses of HS flares to ultrasound‐guided injections of intralesional triamcinolone (40 mg/ml) with a dilution 1:4 versus 1:2 at 30‐day (t1), 60‐day (t2), and 90‐day (t3) follow‐up. We recruited patients with ≤3 acute lesions, unresponsive to topical therapy. At baseline we assessed lesions clinically and by ultra‐high frequency ultrasound (48 or 70 MHz) and randomly performed an ultrasound‐guided injection of triamcinolone. Assessments were repeated at t1, t2, and t3 follow‐up, re‐injecting the lesion in the case of no or partial response. We treated 49 lesions: 38.8% showed improvements at t1; 46.9% at t2; 6% at t3; and 8.3% showed no clinical and ultrasound improvements. Long‐term follow‐up data confirmed a statistically significant reduction in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)‐pain, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and HS‐Physician Global Assessment (HS‐PGA), as well as edema and vascular signals. No adverse effects were reported. Our study suggests that ultrasound‐injections with a 1:2 dilution are beneficial for HS flares that do not respond to topical treatment and should be included in the therapeutic algorithm.

Efficacy of non-surgical monotherapies for hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review and network meta-analyses of randomized trials

OBJECTIVE

We determined the relative efficacy of non-surgical monotherapies for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

METHODS

Network meta-analyses were conducted to determine treatments' surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value (i.e., an estimate that ranks efficacy); pairwise comparisons were conducted.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Ten trials were eligible for quantitative analyses; however, all did not have a common endpoint. Outcomes corresponded to pain severity, clinical response, quality of life and abscess count. For pain reduction, infliximab was ranked most efficacious (SUCRA =94%) compared to bermekimab, anakinra and placebo; infliximab reduced pain more significantly (p < 0.05) than anakinra and than placebo. For occurrence of clinical response, bimekizumab had the highest SUCRA (67%) relative to adalimumab, anakinra and placebo; bimekizumab was more efficacious than placebo (p < 0.05). For quality of life in mild HS, Botox had the highest SUCRA (94%) compared to adalimumab and placebo; Botox was more efficacious than placebo (p < 0.05). For reduction in abscess count, oral tetracycline had the highest SUCRA (48%) compared to topical clindamycin and vehicle. Our work-being the first NMA study on non-surgical HS monotherapies-contributes to the comparative effectiveness literature for this condition.

Pain management in hidradenitis suppurativa and a proposed treatment algorithm

Pain contributes substantially to reduced quality of life in individuals living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Although improved understanding of HS pathogenesis and treatment has resulted in improved evidence-based HS management guidelines, comprehensive pain management guidelines have yet to be developed. Few HS-specific data exist to guide pharmacologic analgesia; however, recognizing HS pain as either acute or chronic and predominantly nociceptive (aching and gnawing pain due to tissue damage) versus neuropathic (burning-type pain due to somatosensory nervous system dysfunction) provides a conceptual framework for applying outside pain management practices to HS management. This article incorporates the best available evidence from the HS and pain literature to propose an HS pain algorithm that integrates psychological, pharmacologic, and complementary and alternative treatment modalities.

Efficacy of high-dose intralesional triamcinolone for hidradenitis suppurativa

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of hair follicles characterized by recurrent, painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts ("tunnels") typically refractory to treatment. This debilitating condition results in poor quality of life due to high disease burden. Intralesional triamcinolone (ILTAC) is a standard of care for acute inflammation and drainage associated with HS; however, the optimal therapeutic dose has not been determined. We investigated the utility of high-dose ILTAC 20 mg/ml (ILTAC-20) or 40 mg/ml (ILTAC-40), for inflammatory lesions of HS.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review and telephone questionnaire included HS patients treated with high-dose ILTAC-20 or ILTAC-40 between April and December 2018. Patients with Hurley stages I-III were included. Data were obtained from electronic medical records and telephone interviews. A short questionnaire pertained to satisfaction with therapy, changes of disease state, and modifications in quality of life.

RESULTS

Of 54 patients interviewed, the average age was 36.9 ± 11.6 years; 36 (66.7%) were female. Forty patients (76.9%) were very satisfied (n = 19) or satisfied (n = 21) with high-dose ILTAC therapy. Fifty patients (92.6%) demonstrated improvements in disease state, and 41 patients (75.9%) experienced enhanced quality of life. Forty-four patients (86.3%) were amenable to additional injections of high-dose ILTAC, if clinically indicated. No adverse effects of therapy were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients reported improvements in disease state, quality of life, and overall satisfaction after administration of high-dose ILTAC (20-40 mg/ml). These findings support the use of high-dose ILTAC for acute lesions of HS.

Ultrasound-assisted intralesional corticosteroid infiltrations for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

Corticosteroid infiltrations of lesions in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) appear to be beneficial to acute flares. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-assisted intralesional corticosteroid infiltrations to HS lesions. Prospective cohort study between February 2017 and February 2019 on patients with mild to severe HS and one or more inflammatory lesions. The study intervention was ultrasound-assisted intralesional infiltration of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml. The main outcome was the complete response rate of infiltrated lesions versus non-infiltrated lesions. Two hundred and forty-seven infiltrated inflammatory lesions and 172 non-infiltrated lesions were included. At week 12, 81.1% (30/37) of nodules, 72.0% (108/150) of abscesses and 53.33% (32/60) of draining fistulas presented complete response versus 69.1% (47/68), 54.3% (38/70) and 35.3% (12/34) respectively for the non-infiltrated lesions. The Hurley stage negatively correlated with complete response for abscesses and draining fistulas at - 0.17 (SD 0.06) p < 0.01 and - 0.30 (SD 0.13) p < 0.02 respectively. Ultrasound-assisted corticosteroid infiltration is a useful technique for the treatment of inflammatory HS lesions, with high and sustained response rates, especially for abscesses and small to medium-size simple draining fistulas. The likelihood of response correlates negatively with the Hurley stage.