An increased awareness and recognition of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) prevalence in children could help better understand the condition. A study published in JAMA Dermatology sought to describe the demographics, clinical features, treatment, associated comorbidities, and outcomes within a large cohort of pediatric patients with HS.
The study carried out an international, multicenter, retrospective review of pediatric patients (aged 1-18 years) diagnosed with HS from 10 dermatology clinics across the United States, Canada, Israel, Australia, and Italy between January 1996 to January 2017.
The study included 481 patients diagnosed with HS, including 386 (80%) girls. The mean (SD) age of disease onset was 12.5 (2.9) years vs a mean age of 14.4 (3.5) years at diagnosis. It was also noted that family history of HS was present in 111 of 271 (41%) patients.
At the beginning of the disease, the signs/symptoms reported were cyst/abscess in 229 (48%) patients, pain/tenderness in 118 (25%), and papules/pustules in 117 (24%). During initial dermatologic assessment, 233 (48%) patients already had evidence of skin scarring. Additionally, Hurley staging was documented in 288 (60%) patients, including 47% at stage 1, 45% at stage 2, and 8% at stage 3, and comorbid conditions were reported in 406 (85%) patients. Of these conditions, obesity (263/406 [65%]) and acne (118/406 [29%]) were the most common. Complications occurred in 378 (79%) patients, with scars or contractures (301/378 [80%]) being the most prevalent.
The authors determined that there is a gap in recognizing and diagnosing pediatric patients with HS. In addition, these pediatric patients are likely to present with other comorbidities. Future prospective, observational, and interventional studies should be completed to better understand the clinical course of and optimal treatments for pediatric HS. —Jessica Garlewicz
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Reference
Liy-Wong C, Kim M, Kirkorian AY, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa in the pediatric population: an international, multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study of 481 pediatric patients. JAMA Dermatol. Published online February 24, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5435
