A cross‐sectional epidemiological study of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population (SHIP)

Abstract

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects apocrine gland–bearing skin, has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Estimates of the epidemiologic prevalence of HS are highly variable, and clinical data on disease characteristics and patient burden of disease remain limited.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to determine the number of patients with HS attending dermatology clinics in a hospital setting in Ireland (within a 6‐month time period). Secondary objectives included the assessment of disease characteristics and the collection of patient responses on disease burden and work productivity.MethodsThis was an epidemiologic, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study across four dermatology clinics in Ireland over a 6‐month time period. The disease prevalence was estimated by calculating the percentage of total patients with a diagnosis of HS (the primary population) across the selected sites. Secondary analyses were performed using the full analysis set, which consisted of eligible adults (≥18 years of age) from the primary population who provided informed consent. Data from these analyses are presented as descriptive summary statistics, with the use of an analysis of covariance for continuous endpoints.ResultsThe prevalence of HS across the four selected sites was estimated at 1.4% (95% CI, 1.24–1.62). One hundred and fifty eligible patients comprised the full analysis set. The majority of participants were white (95.3%), female (70.0%), cigarette smokers (56.0%) and overweight or obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, 81.8%). Most patients for whom data were available presented with Hurley stage II (50.4%), and more than a third of the full analysis set had a relative with HS (34.7%). Questionnaire responses revealed a profound impact on quality of life, including diminished work productivity and various psychological comorbidities.ConclusionThis study offers insight into the clinical features and disease burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population.

Quality of life measurement in hidradenitis suppurativa: position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology task forces on Quality of Life and Patient‐Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…There was no significant correlation between resilience and HRQoL in HS patients from the United States and Denmark . Profound impact on the HRQoL of Irish HS patients was reported, including diminished work productivity and various psychological comorbidities . The severity of odour in HS patients was associated with total Skindex‐29 scores but not with DLQI scores .…”

“…82 Profound impact on the HRQoL of Irish HS patients was reported, including diminished work productivity and various psychological comorbidities. 83 The severity of odour in HS patients was associated with total Skindex-29 scores but not with DLQI scores. 84 In an international study of the QoL impact of treatment (the last DLQI item), over half of HS patients reported problems.…”

Complementary and alternative medicine use in hidradenitis suppurativa

“…Dear Editor , Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic incurable disease of apocrine gland‐bearing skin characterized by double comedones, painful nodules and scarring most commonly in the axillae, inguinal and inframammary folds. Patients have increased rates of depression and anxiety and tend to come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds . Currently, recommended treatments include tetracycline antibiotics, rifampicin and clindamycin, acitretin, dapsone and biologic agents, including adalimumab and infliximab .…”

Incidence and Prevalence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…These 12 studies comprised a combined study population of 53,794,009 across 9 different countries. Eleven studies [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]30 reported the prevalence and three studies reported the incidence. 23,24,29 Most studies examined patients of all ages.…”