Serum Amyloid A: A Potential New Marker of Severity in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with systemic inflammation and high impact on quality of life. Treatment strategies are still inadequate with a lack of inflammation biomarkers. We conducted a prospective study to assess the correlation between serum amyloid A (SAA) levels and active lesion count; disease severity; Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); smoking; BMI; and lesion sites. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Forty-one patients (M/F: 22/19) were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data were assessed at baseline on patients not under treatment or in wash-out from systemic treatment for at least 2 weeks. Associations were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> SAA levels were significantly associated with number of nodules (<i>p</i> = 0.005), abscesses (<i>p</i> < 0.001), fistulas (<i>p</i> = 0.016), and severe IHS4 (<i>p</i> = 0.088 and <i>r</i> = 0.514). Gluteal localization was correlated with high values of mSartorius and severe IHS4. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We recommend assessment of SAA levels to monitor therapeutic response in patient with HS in order to prevent disease’s flare and potential complications.