A diverse hidradenitis suppurativa cohort: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 13,130 patients from a large US health care system database from 1995 to 2022.

BACKGROUND

Most epidemiological studies of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have described homogeneous patient populations.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize demographics, modifiable health behaviors, and comorbidities of HS patients within a diverse cohort.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study of 13,130 HS patients within a health care system was conducted.

RESULTS

A female sex bias of ∼3:1 in all racial/ethnic subgroups was observed. Black/African American (AA) patients had a lower age at HS diagnosis than White patients (37.1 years vs 39.4 years, P < .001). A higher proportion of Black/AA females than White females with HS had body mass index in the obese range (69.9% vs 56.5%; P = .03). In contrast, fewer Black/AA males with HS had a body mass index in the obese range compared to White males (51.4% vs 61.0%; P < .001). More Black/AA patients than White patients with HS had congestive heart failure (odds ratio (OR) = 2.10, confidence interval (CI) = 1.19-3.78; P < .05), chronic pulmonary disease (OR = 1.34; CI = 1.02-1.78; P < .05), diabetes with chronic complication (OR = 1.73; CI = 1.16-2.60; P < .05), renal disease (OR = 2.66; CI = 1.67-4.34; P < .05), and Charlson comorbidity index score ≥4 (OR = 1.67; CI = 1.09-2.58; P < .05). Furthermore, male patients were more likely than female patients to have renal disease (OR = 2.62; CI = 1.66-4.14; P < .05).

LIMITATIONS

A single-center study.

CONCLUSION

Subgroups of HS patients had significant differences in demographics, risk factors, and comorbid conditions.