Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Estimated Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Risk Factors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disease with a global prevalence of 1-4%, characterized by multiple painful nodules, abscesses, and fistulas that form scars in intertriginous regions (i.e., inguinal, axillary, mammary). HS is a complex and debilitating disease with a negative impact on quality of life. We aim to determine the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors, and comorbidities of HS. MethodologyA retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in King Abdulaziz Medical City from 2016 to 2020. Information of all confirmed cases of HS was extracted via computerized medical records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Categorical data were calculated based on frequency and percentage using the chi-square test to obtain p-values. ResultsOur initial search yielded 196 cases, of which 13 were excluded due to incomplete medical information. The prevalence of HS was 1.29%. The mean age was 27 years, with a male predominance. More than one-third of our patients were morbidly obese, and most of the patients were in Hurley stage 1 of both genders. The most commonly affected area was the axilla, followed by the inguinal area. The most common coexisting disease was diabetes mellitus type 2, followed by lipid disorders and acne. ConclusionsThis study documents the common demographic and clinical features of HS. It is a challenging disease in terms of detection and management, and it is critical to raise awareness among the public and physicians to minimize the devastating impact on HS patients.

The Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…This allows physicians to follow disease progression and response to treatment [ 6 ]. The Sartorius score incorporates the visual pain scale and DLQI, which allows for the monitoring of disease severity and treatment response [ 5 , 23 ]. The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) is commonly used to evaluate response to treatment [ 23 ].…”

“…A study assessing the quality of life of HS patients using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) showed disease severity was correlated with higher DLQI scores and greater impairment [ 3 ]. The most commonly affected areas are intertriginous regions including the axilla, inframammary folds, inguinal region, and gluteal clefts [ 2 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…The prevalence of HS is estimated to be anywhere from 0.00033% to 4.1% [ 2 , 4 ]. It shows a female predominance among Western countries with a ratio of 1.3:1 women to men affected [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 ], while Eastern countries show a male predominance [ 5 , 7 ]. The highest incidence is found among African American women [ 1 , 2 , 4 ], and patients of lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected by the disease [ 1 , 8 ].…”

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

“…These outbreaks mostly occur on body sites with skinto-skin contact, such as the axilla, groin, anogenital region and inframammary folds [2]- [4], [8]. Global prevalence estimates of HS range from 1-4% depending on several factors, such as ethnic background and the method of data collection [3], [5], [9], [10]. In general, women are more often affected by the disease compared to men in a ratio of 3:1 [11].…”

Use of multiple fasciocutaneous flaps for the management of extensive hidradenitis suppurativa

“…A meta-analysis revealed that there are 118 760 093 HS cases reported in the literature 5. According to a study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of HS was estimated to be 1.29%, and the most common accompanying disease was found to be diabetes mellitus type 2, followed by lipid disorders and acne 6. The treatment of HS is conducted on a long-term basis and is often challenging.…”