Publication trends in hidradenitis suppurativa from 2008 to 2018

Abstract

Background Increased interest in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) research is encouraging. A critical analysis of the state of HS literature may demonstrate the strength of existing knowledge and highlight current gaps. Objectives To analyse changes in HS literature from 2008 to 2018 with focus on quantity and quality of annual publications. Methods Review of all indexed publications reporting on HS on PubMed. Publications were categorized based on study design, study topic and treatment type where applicable. Publications were dichotomized into high level of evidence and low level of evidence groups. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the change in publication number over time. Annual average growth rate and distribution of high versus low level of evidence publications were calculated. Results Publication number increased over time overall (R2 = 0.64, P = 0.003) and for all publication types except randomized clinical trials. Case reports and case series represented the majority of HS publications (n = 479, 40.3%). Treatment was the main focus of publications (n = 445, 37.6%) with increasing interest in medical management evident in recent years. Distribution of low level of evidence studies (n = 974) compared with high level of evidence studies over time (n = 209) was significant (x2: 11.45, P = 0.0007). High level of evidence studies had a higher average annual growth rate (49.9%) compared with low level of evidence studies (23.7%). Few randomized clinical trials were performed (n = 16), focusing equally on medical or procedural treatments. Conclusions Hidradenitis suppurativa research is undergoing a tremendous shift, suggesting rapid maturation of the field. Current HS literature, however, remains primarily based on limited clinical observation data, with a particular lack of randomized clinical trials. Despite this, the increase in high level of evidence studies is encouraging and may herald a shift towards improved disease understanding and treatment paradigms.

Thematic synthesis of the experiences of people with hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review*

“…All studies eligible for inclusion were published within the last decade, which mirrors a general trend towards increased publication in HS research over the period, and the development of new treatments for the condition. 20,21 Diagnostic delay of HS is recognized as a global problem, with one international study across 24 countries showing patients with HS had an average diagnostic delay of 7Á2 years compared with an average diagnostic delay of 1Á6 years for patients with psoriasis. 22 A German study found that a longer delay in HS diagnosis was associated with greater disease severity, an increased number of surgically treated sites, concomitant diseases, and a higher number of days of work missed.…”

“…There were 14 studies included in our metasynthesis, which illustrated multiple challenges individuals face in living with HS and in seeking treatment and support. All studies eligible for inclusion were published within the last decade, which mirrors a general trend towards increased publication in HS research over the period, and the development of new treatments for the condition 20,21 …”

Bibliometric Analysis of the 50 Most Cited Publications in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…HS research has grown exponentially over the last decade, signaling increased interest and commitment from researchers, clinicians, and funding agencies to advance this field [1, 2]. Most of the top-cited HS articles discuss medical treatments, a finding that is in line with HS being a difficult-to-treat medical condition.…”

Treatment Stacking: Optimizing Therapeutic Regimens for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…The last decade has seen tremendous growth in HS research 8 coupled with a remarkable expansion in the therapeutic pipeline. 9 However, currently no single therapy for HS can guarantee satisfactory disease remission or durability of remission.…”