Dermatologists Principal Care Providers for Pediatric Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

According to a study published in Skin Appendage Disorders, dermatologists play a primary role in the management of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Researchers aimed to characterize the healthcare management landscape of pediatric HS in a cohort of pediatric patients with HS who were diagnosed before age 18 years at an academic institution. Patients were identified via a retrospective chart review using ICD-9/10 codes for HS, and data on demographics and HS providers were obtained.

Half of the pediatric patients with HS first presented to primary care with their HS symptoms and had a mean delay of 2 years before diagnosis. The principal care providers for pediatric HS are dermatologists and pediatricians. A total of 63% of dermatologists prescribed treatments. HS specialty clinics are used infrequently, with only 11% utilized. Dermatologists are more likely to see female patients, those with more severe disease, and patients with earlier age of onset.

“Dermatologists play a pivotal role in pediatric HS management as principal care providers for patients,” concluded the study authors. “Increasing HS awareness among primary care providers, including pediatricians, is critical for early diagnosis and initiation of treatment,” they added.

Reference
Seivright JR, Collier E, Grogan T, et al. Management landscape of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa. Skin Appendage Disord. 2022;8(2):118-121. doi:10.1159/000519135