Disease trajectories for hidradenitis suppurativa in the Danish population
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Who?
Researchers from Zealand University and University of Copenhagen
Aim?
Most of the studies looking at diseases co-occurring with HS have been cross-sectional designs. What does that mean? Cross-sectional research designs provide a snapshot of the status of the population at one point in time. The goal of this study specifically is to look at temporal association of HS with multiple co-occurring diseases. What does that mean? They want to look at what is the relationship between HS and the time of onset of other conditions.
How was it done?
Backward-looking cohort study that looked at the entire Danish population from January 1, 1994 – Aug 10, 2018. Among the cohort 14488 Danish people were diagnosed with HS based on surgical procedure code data or ICD-10 data.
What did they find out?
Before HS diagnosis, disease such as depression, type 1 diabetes, asthma, inflammatory diseases of vagina and vulva, and severe stress adjustment disorder were more likely
After the diagnosis of HS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and myocardial infraction (heart attack), chronic ischemic heart disease was more likely to develop
The average time of serious conditions (heart attack or chronic ischemic heart disease) to occur after HS diagnosis was fewer than 5 years
What does it all mean?
The work of these researchers highlights some important aspects of patient care. The findings suggest that before a person is diagnosed with HS they are more likely to be experiencing other disease such as diabetes and inflammatory conditions and are at risk in the future for the development of serious conditions like COPD and heart disease.
These association can help physicians and care teams make better guidelines for care and be better prepared for how HS evolved with time for each patient. Therefore, it is important that once an HS diagnosis is made we can anticipate possible complications in the future.
This study further demonstrates how important time of HS diagnosis is and how any delay in diagnosis has increased disease burden not just of HS but other conditions that are associated with it.
References:
Kjærsgaard Andersen R, Jørgensen IF, Reguant R, Jemec GBE, Brunak S. Disease Trajectories for Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the Danish Population. JAMA Dermatol. 2020;156(7):780–786. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.1281
Link to Full Research: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2766277
Disclaimer
Summary written by Ghazal Ghafari and reviewed with Denise Panter-Fixsen. This research summary is meant for educational and informational purposes only. Neither this summary nor any information contained within it are a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. This research summary does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. If you have a medical concern, please consult with your physician.