Quality-of-Life Impairment among Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1795 Patients

Profound Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Sexual health, a critical aspect of overall well-being, is often compromised in individuals with chronic disorders. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects intertriginous areas, potentially impacting sexual health as a result of its specific symptoms and psychosocial burden.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the EpiCAi project, focusing on 199 patients with HS. Participants completed digital questionnaires assessing sexual health via sex-specific instruments: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men, alongside different psychosocial scales. The disease severity was assessed using the Hurley stage and the Lesion Identification Scheme for Acne Inversa (LISAI).

RESULTS

The majority of the participants reported impaired sexual health, with significant clinical sexual dysfunctions noted in 71.8% of women (FSFI score < 26) and erectile dysfunction in 63.8% of men. Sexual dysfunction was associated with several factors, including age, and marital status. Psychosocial factors, notably depression and quality of life, showed strong correlations with sexual health outcomes. Notably, women over 40 and those treated with biologics reported more severe dysfunction, while among men, employment status significantly influenced sexual health.

CONCLUSIONS

HS profoundly affects the sexual health of both male and female patients, with significant impacts on their quality of life and psychological well-being. The findings underscore the necessity for healthcare providers to address sexual health proactively in the management of HS, considering both physical symptoms and psychosocial impacts. This holistic approach is essential for improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Register for Clinical Trials, identifier DRKS00025315.

An Atlas of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Transcriptome

INTRODUCTIONS

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing HS, but the pathogenesis of this disease is currently not fully understood. The aim of this study was to further current understanding of the molecular background of HS with the use of global transcriptome analyses.

METHODS

Transcriptome profiling of perilesional and lesional skin of five patients with HS and six healthy control patients was performed by next-generation sequencing. Groups of differentially expressed genes characteristic of the skin of patients with HS were shortlisted by bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing followed by bioinformatic profiling revealed profound enrichment of inflammatory-related processes in both lesional and perilesional skin of patients with HS. There were, however, distinct differences in the gene expression profiles between the lesional and perilesional skin, with 1488 genes differentially expressed. Genes encoding typical proinflammatory cytokines were profoundly enriched within HS lesions. In contrast, those encoding mediators of extracellular matrix organization were highly expressed mostly in the perilesional area.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HS, and the results also have potential clinical implications in both diagnosis and therapeutics.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Is Associated with Severe Sexual Impairment

INTRODUCTION

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, often affecting and deforming intimate regions. HS is associated with severe pain, pruritus, and constant, purulent, malodorous discharge expected to impair sexual health of patients.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional, multicentric study involving 199 German patients from the health services research project "Epidemiology and Care in Acne inversa (EpiCAi)." The sexual health, HS severity, and quality of life of the studied group were evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire.

RESULTS

Regardless of gender, HS has an enormous impact on patients' sexual health. The patients scored, on average, 28.8 ± 5.3 points on the Relation and Sexuality Scale (RSS). Multiple linear regression revealed that females and patients with Hurley III stage had higher sexual dysfunction (p = 0.012). Sexual dysfunction is associated with pain (β = 0.25), the number of active lesions, the affected areas (β = 0.14), and psychosocial aspects, including low quality of life (β = 0.404), stigmatization (β = 0.411), depression (β = 0.413), and anxiety (β = 0.300). Patients already see a substantial decrease in sexual frequency in the early stages of HS, while functional impairment and fear increase with the severity of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Sexual health and management of its dysfunctions should be part of a holistic approach to HS patients.

Burden of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Literature Review of Patient Reported Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has a profound negative impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Here we summarize the evidence on HRQoL and Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) in patients with HS in real-world settings by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of observational studies.

METHODS

Data sources included MEDLINE, Embase & PsycINFO between January 1, 2010 and August 29, 2021, and conference proceedings between 2019 and 2021. Identified abstracts were reviewed and screened independently by two reviewers. Eligibility criteria included patients with HS of any severity, sample size ≥ 100, reporting PROs including HRQoL measures. Included studies were critically appraised.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight observational studies matched inclusion criteria. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was the most commonly utilized instrument: 57% of included studies reported mean baseline DLQI scores, ranging between 8.4 and 16.9, indicating a very large impact on the patients' HRQoL. Higher scores were reported with increasing disease severity and among female patients. Pain was assessed mostly by an 11-point (0-10) numeric rating scale (NRS) with a mean baseline score ranging from 3.6 to 7.7 indicating moderate to high pain levels. There was a negative impact of HS on patients' psychological well-being, based on PRO scores related to depression and anxiety. A high proportion of sexual dysfunction was reported, with a larger impact on women than men. Work productivity and leisure activity were consistently found to be impaired in patients with HS.

CONCLUSIONS

All included studies reported a negative impact of HS on patients' lives. A diverse set of disease- and non-disease-specific PRO instruments were utilized highlighting the need for more consistent use of HS-specific validated PRO instruments to assess the impact of HS on the different aspects of patients' HRQoL to allow for data to be more meaningfully interpreted and compared in real-world settings. Patients with HS need better disease management approaches that address the observed low quality of life.

Females May Have Less Severe Acne, but They Suffer More: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study on Psychosocial Consequences in 104 Consecutive Polish Acne Patients

Acne is a common skin condition affecting both adolescents and adults, and it can profoundly impact patients' quality of life and mental well-being. This prospective cross-sectional study aims to explore the differences in psychosocial aspects between male and female acne patients in Poland. A total of 104 consecutive acne patients were included in this study. Clinical severity, patients' quality of life, stigmatization levels, and psychiatric disturbances were evaluated using the following instruments: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), 6-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). This study found that female patients exhibited significantly less severe acne and experienced significantly decreased quality of life and increased levels of stigmatization. Furthermore, anxiety levels among female patients exceeded those observed in their male counterparts. Notably, no disparities in the severity of depression were observed between the two gender groups. Correlations were discerned among all psychosocial parameters in the entire study cohort and in the female subgroup, while such correlations were not uniformly observed among male participants. This study underscores the importance of considering psychosocial aspects and implementing routine measurements in the management of acne to improve patients' well-being.

Biology of Interleukin-17 and Novel Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Skin disorders affect ∼40% of the human population. One of the most debilitating cutaneous disorders is Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a noncommunicable chronic inflammatory disease with an estimated global prevalence of 0.4% to 2.5%. In January 2011, high levels of IL-17 were discovered in skin lesions of HS patients. In the following years, translational and clinical research led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HS. In June 2023, more than 12 years after the initial note, secukinumab, an anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody, was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe HS. This is the next milestone in improving the treatment of these patients after the approval of the anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody adalimumab in 2015. In this review article, we present the IL-17 pathway in HS and discuss the use of secukinumab as a therapeutic option for this disease. Our review starts with a description of the epidemiology, clinical features, etiology, and pathogenesis of HS. An overview of the IL-17/IL-17 receptor system in general and a detailed description of the known facts about the expression and action of IL-17 in HS follow. Afterward, we consider the results of clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of IL-17 inhibitors in HS. Finally, a comparison is made between secukinumab and adalimumab and the characteristics of the patients that may be particularly suitable for each of these biologics are described.

The Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a multifactorial disease involving the skin and subcutaneous tissues characterized by deep-seated, painful nodules and abscesses with draining sinus tracts. It affects mostly younger individuals between the ages of 18 and 34. The discomfort and embarrassment that patients affected by HS experience negatively impact their daily lives. It is associated with decreased quality of life and high rates of comorbid depression and anxiety. The rate of depression in HS was reported to be as high as 26%. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and as such requires a multimodal approach to treatment, which subsequently is reviewed here. Moreover, the pathogenesis of HS is complex and only partially understood. Autoinflammation is the key driver of disease development and is linked with dysregulated inflammasome activation with the subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines. Genetics and cutaneous microbiome play a role in the development of chronic inflammation and lesion formation. Risk factors such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and smoking also add to the systemic inflammation. Targeting these risk factors is a key aspect of the treatment of HS. Lifestyle modifications are used in conjunction with pharmacotherapy and procedures to effectively manage the disease.

Outcome Measures for the Evaluation of Treatment Response in Hidradenitis Suppurativa for Clinical Practice: A HiSTORIC Consensus Statement

Importance

Although several clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures have been developed for trials in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), there is currently no consensus on which measures are best suited for use in clinical practice. Identifying validated and feasible measures applicable to the practice setting has the potential to optimize treatment strategies and generate generalizable evidence that may inform treatment guidelines.

Objective

To establish consensus on a core set of clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures recommended for use in clinical practice and to establish the appropriate interval within which these measures should be applied.

Evidence Review

Clinician- and patient-reported HS measures and studies describing their psychometric properties were identified through literature reviews. Identified measures comprised an item reduction survey and subsequent electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) consensus rounds. In each consensus round, a summary of outcome measure components and scoring methods was provided to participants. Experts were provided with feasibility characteristics of clinician measures to aid selection. Consensus was achieved if at least 67% of respondents agreed with use of a measure in clinical practice.

Findings

Among HS experts, response rates for item reduction, e-Delphi round 1, and e-Delphi round 2 surveys were 76.4% (42 of 55), 90.5% (38 of 42), and 92.9% (39 of 42), respectively; among patient research partners (PRPs), response rates were 70.8% (17 of 24), 100% (17 of 17), and 82.4% (14 of 17), respectively. The majority of experts across rounds were practicing dermatologists with 18 to 19 years of clinical experience. In the final e-Delphi round, most PRPs were female (12 [85.7%] vs 2 males [11.8%]) and aged 30 to 49 years. In the final e-Delphi round, HS experts and PRPs agreed with the use of the HS Investigator Global Assessment (28 [71.8%]) and HS Quality of Life score (13 [92.9%]), respectively. The most expert-preferred assessment interval in which to apply these measures was 3 months (27 [69.2%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

An international group of HS experts and PRPs achieved consensus on a core set of HS measures suitable for use in clinical practice. Consistent use of these measures may lead to more accurate assessments of HS disease activity and life outcomes, facilitating shared treatment decision-making in the practice setting.

The Influence of Pain on Reduced Quality of Life in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Pain and itch are impactful and burdensome symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Elucidating factors associated with pain and itch severity may identify groups disproportionally affected by HS-related pain and itch and further our understanding of how pain and itch impact quality of life (QoL) in patients with HS.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine factors associated with pain severity, itch severity, and reduced QoL in patients with HS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 257 adults with HS who received care in an HS Specialty Clinic from January 2019 to August 2021. Multivariable mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine the relationships between clinical and demographic patient factors and the outcomes of pain severity, itch severity, and skin-specific QoL.

RESULTS

Factors associated with reduced QoL were Hurley stage II (β = 19.66, 95% CI: 1.40-37.93) and III (β = 21.98, 95% CI: 1.57-42.39) disease as well as severity of pain (β = 13.74, 95% CI: 11.93-15.55), itch (β = 4.57, 95% CI: 2.59-6.55), anxiety (β = 2.55 95% CI: 1.29-3.81), and depression (β = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.30-2.56). Increasing HS pain severity was associated with Hurley stage III disease (β = 2.04, 95% Cl: 0.99-3.09), black race (β = 1.23, 95% Cl: 0.40, 2.06), depression severity (β = 0.08, 95% Cl: 0.02, 0.14), and anxiety severity (β = 0.10 95% Cl: 0.04, 0.17). Factors associated with HS itch severity were Hurley stage III disease (β = 2.23, 95% Cl: 1.19, 3.27), black race (β = 0.92, 95% Cl: 0.07, 1.78), depression severity (β = 0.09, 95% Cl: 0.04, 0.14), and anxiety severity (β = 0.07, 95% Cl: 0.01, 0.13).

CONCLUSION

Pain is one of the largest contributors to QoL in patients with HS; on a 0-10 numeric rating scale, a 2-point increase in HS pain had a similar independent effect on QoL as having Hurley stage III disease compared to Hurley stage I.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: A 52-week analysis of a postmarketing surveillance study in Japan

Adalimumab is a human monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-α that was approved in Japan for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease. We report the results of the final analysis of the postmarketing surveillance (PMS) study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03894956), which evaluated the 52-week safety and efficacy of adalimumab for HS treatment in real-world clinical practice in Japan. This multicenter, prospective, open-label, observational study (March 2019 to May 2021) included patients with HS treated with subcutaneous adalimumab at doses following the package insert. The primary endpoint was safety, and the secondary endpoints were effectiveness, including HS clinical response (HiSCR), C-reactive protein (CRP), skin pain, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Of the 84 patients registered at 65 sites, 83 patients were included in the analyses. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported by 10 (12.0%) patients; two patients reported a serious ADR, including one patient with serious infection. Other safety events of special interest reported were liver disorder and dermatitis psoriasiform (one patient each). Almost all patients with ADRs were recovering or had recovered, except for one patient who experienced a serious ADR of liver disorder and died. At 12 weeks, 55.4% of patients achieved HiSCR; this increased to 60.5% and 62.8% at 24 and 52 weeks of adalimumab treatment, respectively. Significant reductions from baseline in CRP (P < 0.05), skin pain (P < 0.0001), and DLQI (P < 0.0001) were observed at all time points. The results from this PMS study demonstrated that long-term adalimumab treatment is well tolerated and effective in patients with HS in real-world clinical practice in Japan.

A Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate the Factors Affecting the Dermatology Life Quality Index in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Multiple factors affect the disease's course and severity. HS is a debilitating disease and often recalcitrant to treatment, resulting in a deterioration of quality of life; hence, there is a need to evaluate the factors affecting the quality of life in patients with HS.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to evaluate the various demographic and disease-related factors that affect the quality of life of patients with HS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospectively scored questionnaire-based observational study. Data from 30 patients with HS were analyzed for the association of disease-related factors like Hurley's staging, site, duration, past history, and comorbidities with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

RESULTS

A statistically significant relationship was found between DLQI and Hurley staging (p=0.000). The most common sites involved were the axilla and inguinal regions. Among the sites involved, the neck (p=0.002), abdomen (p=0.002), back (p=0.002), thighs (p=0.042), and gluteal (p=0.000) regions have a statistically significant association with DLQI. Prior histories of rheumatoid arthritis, scarring, surgery, lymphadenitis, and pilonidal sinus showed a statistically significant association with DLQI.

CONCLUSION

The disease severity significantly hampers the quality of life of patients with HS. The disease site and presence of other comorbidities also influence the outcome. Our study will help healthcare providers better understand and fulfill the needs of patients suffering from HS.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Prevalence in Nuuk, Greenland: Physician Validation of a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Questionnaire in a Greenlandic Setting

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

The psychosocial burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in Singapore

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating inflammatory skin disorder known to result in significant psychological symptoms and impaired quality of life. However, most of these studies are limited to western countries, with limited data from other sociocultural regions.

Objective

To understand the psychosocial burden of HS in the Asian context, by exploring the correlation between objective disease measures with psychosocial health and work productivity.

Methods

A prospective single-center questionnaire study was conducted. A total of 45 patients with HS completed a questionnaire and examination by a dermatologist.

Results

Higher objective disease severity scores (Hurley, physician global assessment, International Hidradenitis Suppurative Severity, and modified Sartorius) correlated with poorer quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index and Patient Global Assessment), increased anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale) and at-work productivity loss. There was no significant correlation between objective disease severity and other domains Work productivity and activity impairment score or self-esteem (Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale).

Limitations

The main limitation of our study is the small sample size, assessment at a single time point, and lack of control cohort.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the impact of HS on a patient's psychosocial well-being and emphasize the importance of treating patients from a holistic standpoint.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life 24 (HSQoL-24) now available for Polish patients: creation and validation of the Polish language version

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder with a well-documented impact on quality of life (QoL). Due to the very distinctive features of HS the clinical picture, and lack of specific questions, generic dermatology QoL questionnaires cannot adequately reflect patients' suffering.

Aim

To translate and validate the Polish version of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life 24 (HSQoL-24) questionnaire.

Material and methods

The standardized translation process included forward and backward translation from the English version of the instrument. The final version was subsequently validated on a group of 30 HS patients, who completed the questionnaire twice. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and reproducibility of the results were also analysed.

Results

The Polish version of HSQoL-24 showed excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.908. Moreover, excellent reproducibility of the results was observed, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.908. The HSQoL global score correlated positively with Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQoL) questionnaire.

Conclusions

The Polish version of HSQoL-24 has excellent internal consistency, good reproducibility, and adequate validity. It may be of help in assessing QoL impairment in HS patients in daily practice and research.

Phytotherapeuthics Affecting the IL-1/IL-17/G-CSF Axis: A Complementary Treatment Option for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS; also designated as acne inversa) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful skin lesions that occur in the axillary, inguinal, gluteal and perianal areas of the body. These lesions contain recurring deep-seated, inflamed nodules and pus-discharging abscesses and fistulas. Affecting about 1% of the population, this common disease has gained appropriate clinical attention in the last years. Associated with numerous comorbidities including metabolic syndrome, HS is considered a systemic disease that severely impairs the quality of life and shortens life expectancy. Therapeutic options for HS are limited, comprising long-term antibiotic treatment, the surgical removal of affected skin areas, and neutralization of TNF-α, the only approved systemic treatment. Novel treatment options are needed to close the therapeutic gap. HS pathogenesis is increasingly better understood. In fact, neutrophilic granulocytes (neutrophils) seem to be decisive for the development of the purulent destructive skin inflammation in HS. Recent findings suggest a key role of the immune mediators IL-1β, IL-17A and G-CSF in the migration into and activation of neutrophils in the skin. Although phytomedical drugs display potent immunoregulatory properties and have been suggested as complementary therapy in several chronic disorders, their application in HS has not been considered so far. In this review, we describe the IL-1/IL-17/G-CSF axis and evaluate it as potential target for an integrated phytomedical treatment of HS.

Similar Levels of Efficacy of Two Different Maintenance Doses of Adalimumab on Clinical Severity and Quality of Life of Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Adalimumab is the only biologic agent approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients (i.e., with Hurley II or III), which is recommended in two different maintenance doses (i.e., 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks). We conducted a prospective multicentric study to measure outcomes related to the severity of disease and quality of life (QoL) of patients affected by moderate-to-severe HS, treated with adalimumab at a maintenance dosing of 40 mg or 80 mg. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and after 32 weeks of treatment (T32). We enrolled 85 moderate-to-severe HS Italian patients, 43 men (50.6%) and 42 women, aged between 16 and 62 years (median 31 years, interquartile range 24.4–43.8). Statistically significant improvements were observed for clinical status (with a mean reduction of 7.1 points for the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4)), pain levels (3.1 mean decrease in VAS), and QoL (3.4 mean improvement in DLQI score). Patients with no comorbidities, and those with higher levels of perceived pain showed significantly greater improvement in QoL than their counterpart from T0 to T32. As for the proportion of patients who at follow-up reached the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) in QoL, significantly higher proportions of success were observed for age (patients in the 29–39 category), pain (patients with higher reported pain), and Hurley stage III. While both treatment regimen groups (i.e., 40 vs. 80 mg) improved significantly, no statistical differences were observed when comparing the two treatment dosages.

Microbial Isolates and Association with Disease Severity and Quality of Life in Individuals with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Observational Study

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts, resulting in scarring. Patients suffer significantly impacted quality of life (QoL), manifested by anxiety and depression. We describe microbial isolates identified from active sites in adults with HS, and explore associations between organisms isolated, disease severity, and QoL.

Methods

Observational study over 2 years. Assessment was made of disease severity using the Hurley staging score and of QoL scores, and subjective assessment. Wound swab samples were obtained from sites of active disease. Descriptive summary statistics and tests of significance were used to analyse the data.

Results

Two hundred and twelve patients participated, resulting in 352 episodes, and 501 lesion swab samples. 54% were female and 59% were obese, median age of 37 years. A lower proportion of Gram-negative organisms and more staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms were isolated from sites of disease in individuals with stage 3 disease compared to those with stage 1-2 disease (p = 0.001). We found no association between microbial isolation and QoL.

Discussion/Conclusions

Hurley stage 3 disease is associated with more infected lesions than Hurley stage 1-2 disease, but the QoL experienced by patients with HS is determined by factors other than infection.

What's Race Got to Do With It? CRP Levels in Immune Mediated Skin Diseases: Considerations for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Currently, there is a lack of racial/ethnic heterogeneity in research databases, exposing a systematic issue in studies exploring inflammation-mediated diseases, such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that disrupts normal structure and functioning of terminal hair follicles, resulting in the formation of recurrent abscesses, nodules, and sinus tracts within intertriginous regions. Studies have described higher serum levels of inflammation-mediated C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HS, a disease that predominantly affects skin of color (SOC) populations. Herein, we explore the role of CRP levels in the context of HS disease presentation, management, and psychosocial implications in SOC patients to determine existing disparities in research studies.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa International Online Community: Patient Characteristics and a Novel Model of Treatment Effectiveness

Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa is diverse, yet frequently unsatisfactory. The aims of this study were to create a reproducible artificial intelligence-based patient-reported outcome platform for evaluation of the clinical characteristics and comorbidities of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, and to use this to grade treatment effectiveness. A retrospective patient-reported outcome study was conducted, based on online questionnaires completed by English-speaking patients registered to the hidradenitis suppurativa Stuff-ThatWorks^® online community. Data collected included patient characteristics, comorbidities and treatment satisfaction. These were recoded into scalable labels using a combination of machine learning algorithm, manual coding and validation. A model of treatment effectiveness was generated. The cohort included 1,050 patients of mean ± standard deviation age 34.3 ± 10.3 years. Greater severity of hidradenitis suppurativa was associated with younger age at onset (p < 0.001) and male sex (p < 0.001). The most frequent comorbidities were depression (30%), anxiety (26.4%), and polycystic ovary syndrome (16.6%). Hurley stage I patients rated topical agents, dietary changes, turmeric, and pain relief measures more effective than tetracyclines. For Hurley stage II, adalimumab was rated most effective. For Hurley stage III, adalimumab, other biologic agents, systemic steroids, and surgical treatment were rated more effective than tetracyclines. Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa often have comorbid psychiatric and endocrine diseases. This model of treatment effectiveness provides a direct comparison of standard and complementary options.

19th Congress of the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP) and 2nd Brain Skin Colloquium Conference (BSC), June 11-13, 2021, London

The Congress of the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP), held in conjunction with the 2nd Brain Skin Colloquium (BSC) Conference, hosted over 60 speakers delivering 47 oral presentations, 41 poster presentations and 5 keynote talks via 2 simultaneous livestream platforms. The 2-day conference, held biennially, was due to be hosted in London, but was converted to a virtual format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This report presents a synopsis of the conference.

Overall Impairment of Quality of Life in Japanese Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Comparison with National Standard

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

Quality of Life of Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background 

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body. It initially presents as painful nodules that eventually develop into abscesses, draining sinuses, and scarring. These manifestations have physical and psychological impacts, which lead to poor quality of life. This study examined the association between quality of life and disease severity, as well as identified the areas of the body most affected by HS among patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined patients with HS who were seen at two dermatology outpatient clinics between December 2018 and March 2019. The patients completed a self-administered standardized questionnaire on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results

The average DLQI score was 15.39 ± 8.37. The majority of patients were classified as stage 3, which indicated that HS has a very large effect on quality of life. The right and left axillae were the most commonly affected areas of the body, with 80.6% of patients noting involvement. While the mean DLQI score was higher in males compared to females, there was no significant difference between the two groups (16.44 ± 9.01 vs. 13.08 ± 6.65; P = 0.248).

Conclusion

HS caused significant impairment in the quality of life of patients with HS in Saudi Arabia. The mean DLQI score in our study was higher than the score previously reported in the literature. Further studies may identify opportunities to provide additional awareness, care, and support for patients with HS in Saudi Arabia.

The Use of HSQoL-24 in an Assessment of Quality-of-Life Impairment among Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: First Look at Real-Life Data

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with well-documented effects on patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of patients with HS via the use of a newly developed questionnaire: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life-24 (HSQoL-24). This study was performed on a population of 342 HS patients. Their QoL was assessed via the HSQoL-24 questionnaire. The perceived impairment of QoL due to HS in the studied group was considered to be serious (mean HSQoL-24 score: 58.3 ± 21.0 points). Women tended to experience a significantly higher impact from the disease than men (61.6 ± 19.2 points vs. 51.1 ± 23.1 points, p < 0.001). The HS severity had an effect on the perceived QoL, with statistically significant differences being evident between the self-assessed HS severity groups. The level of QoL impairment correlated positively with the number of affected body areas (r = 0.285, p < 0.001) and the duration of the disease (r = 0.173, p = 0.001), while the patients' age at disease onset correlated negatively with the HSQoL-24 global score (r = -0.182, p = 0.001). Patients living in their family house scored higher than other groups. The least affected were patients who lived alone. The study shows that the HSQoL-24 questionnaire is a reliable, HS-specific tool for measuring the QoL among patients with HS in real-life clinical settings.

Pain as Defining Feature of Health Status and Prominent Therapeutic Target in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

BACKGROUND

Pain is one of the main aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa that strongly affects the quality of life of patients. We explored the relationship between pain and clinical severity as well as its role in defining the health status in patients with HS.

METHODS

Pain was defined by three measures: (a) question 1 ("my skin hurts") of the Skindex-17; (b) Bodily Pain (BP) scale of the SF-36; and (c) Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Clinical severity of HS was assessed by the Hurley staging, the Sartorius HS Score, and the International HS Severity Score System.

RESULTS

The study population included 341 HS patients with complete data for the VAS pain, 316 for question 1 of the Skindex-17, and 294 for BP. Clinical severity was positively associated with pain. This result was observed for all three severity scores and all three pain evaluation methods. In addition, the number of fistulae, abscesses, and nodules were significantly associated with the three severity measures of pain, while the association with scars was not observed for question 1 of the Skindex-17 and BP.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain may be a good proxy of clinical severity and efficacy of a treatment in HS and therefore a crucial hallmark of patients' health status.

The Burden of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Signs and Symptoms in Quality of Life: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent and debilitating inflammatory skin disease of the hair follicle that usually presents as painful, deep-seated inflamed lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body. HS patients suffer from uncomfortable signs and symptoms, such as pain, pruritus, malodour and suppuration, which may impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). Although HS patients frequently experience these signs and symptoms, they are only occasionally assessed by clinicians and, unexpectedly, the scientific evidence available is limited and heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to summarize the evidence regarding the impact of HS signs and symptoms on QoL to serve as a basis for future research and help clinicians to consider them in the daily care of HS patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA Guidelines. The following search algorithm was used: (hidradenitis or “acne inversa”) and (pain or itch or odour or malodour or suppuration or oozing or drainage) and (“quality of life”). The literature search identified 836 references, 17 of them met the eligible criteria and were included for analysis, representing 4929 HS patients. Mean age of the participants was 36.28 years and there was a predominance of female sex among study participants. The BMI of the population was in the range of over-weight and about two out five patients were active smokers. Studies included patients with mild to moderate HS, with a mean disease duration of 13.69 years. The HS signs and symptoms assessed were pain, pruritus, malodour and suppuration. Overall, the higher intensity of a sign or symptom correlated with poorer general QoL or specific QoL dimensions including sexual distress, anxiety, depression and sleep. The most frequently employed tool to assess QoL was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). DLQI was used in 52.9% of the studies (9/17) with a mean value of 10.70 (2.16 SD). The scores employed to assess signs and symptoms severity were subjective and varied between studies, being the numerical rating scale (NRS) for each of the most used symptoms. The mean NRS value for pain was 3.99 and the mean NRS for pruritus was 4.99. In conclusion, we have summarized, categorized and analyzed the scientific evidence regarding signs and symptoms in HS patients and their impairment in QoL. Their assessment should be thorough and included during routine evaluation of HS patients to motivate therapeutic modifications and increase patients’ health.

Quality of Life in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Update

Knowledge on hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS) is rapidly increasing. HS has a profound impact on patients and their family life. Several factors, such as comorbidities, unemployment and HS severity, make this impact even more severe. The most widely used instrument to measure this impact is the dermatology-specific DLQI. We also identified six HS-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments. Of them, HIDRAdisk, HSIA, HiSQOL and HSQoL-24 are better validated but there is still lack of experience of its use. Several treatment methods showed positive effect on patients’ HRQoL. Surgery remains a method with a substantial positive effect on HRQoL. Several studies confirming a positive effect of adalimumab on the HRQoL of patients with HS were published during the last three years. Data on the influence of several other biologics on HRQoL of HS patients are controversial or based on studies with a small number of patients.

Features Associated With Quality of Life Impairment in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an adverse impact on patients' quality of life (QoL).

Objectives: To quantify QoL impairment in patients in Germany suffering from HS and to identify the parameters associated with QoL impairment.

Methods: A non-interventional, cross-sectional, mono-centric study with 500 HS patients. QoL data (measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index; DLQI) and demographic, anamnestic, clinical, and blood parameters were collected. All patients were examined by dermatologists that documented the skin alterations. QoL data from 462 HS patients were available and evaluated.

Results: The mean (± standard deviation) DLQI score of HS patients was 13.18 ± 7.99. Approximately 40% and 20% of HS patients declared very large and extremely large QoL impairment, respectively. The degree of QoL disturbance correlated with the severity of skin alterations, blood leucocyte count and, in particular, with anogenital localization and the presence of nodules and fistulas. Furthermore, QoL impairment was associated with specific comorbidities, such as adiposity and back pain, but not with HS family history. QoL impairment was not influenced by whether or not the patients had undergone resection surgery or antibiotic treatment but was more severe in HS patients that had undergone abscess lancing compared to patients without such treatment in the past.

Limitations: It was a mono-centric study and most data were obtained from self-administered patient questionnaires. The association of QoL with type of treatment was analyzed for abscess lancing, resection surgery, and antibiotic treatment. Further therapeutic modalities recommended in the guidelines were not investigated.

Conclusion: A profound impairment in QoL was present in patients with HS, and this was higher than that observed in other studied dermatoses. The degree of impairment correlated with the extent of cutaneous and some extra-cutaneous alterations. Surgical and conventional medicamentous therapies of HS were not associated with long-lasting reduction of QoL impairment. Our data support the implementation of patient-reported outcome measures for the assessment of therapy responses.