Health-related quality of life and clinical characteristics of hidradenitis suppurativa in a paediatric population

Abstract

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, Skin Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease (sIMID), with a high impact on Quality of Life (QoL). Data on clinical management, comorbidities, psychosocial burden, and psychiatric disorders in paediatric patients with HS is scarce. The aim of our study was to compare clinical characteristics and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in adult and paediatric patients with HS. Data were collected on 601 patients with HS, 60 of whom (10.0%) were paediatric. The psychological and HRQoL impact was generally higher in adults than in children, but it was noteworthy also in paediatric patients. Early diagnosis and interventions based on education for the patients and their families and psychological support are the key to optimal disease management and adherence. Our study underlines the need for screening for HS-associated psychiatric disorders and for using age-specific tools to evaluate HRQoL. A multidisciplinary approach involving several specialists is needed, as well as liaison with primary care specialists to improve care, and management of comorbidities and psychological issues in patients with HS.

Keywords

• Hidradenitis Suppurativa
• paediatric dermatology
• skin immune-mediated inflammatory disease
• psychodermatology