Assessing the Role of Adalimumab in Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Findings from a Retrospective Study at a Reference Center

Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by inflammatory lesions, often leading to scarring. Managing HS can be difficult, requiring biological therapy, specifically adalimumab. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with HS and treated with the TNF-α inhibitor adalimumab. Data from 21 patients were included in this study. International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4); Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); pain intensity according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); and number of nodules, abscesses, and fistulas were assessed. Results: Notably, 47.62% of patients achieved Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response. The mean number of inflamed nodules decreased from 5.62 ± 4.12 to 3 ± 3.46, abscesses decreased from 1.76 ± 2.63 to 0.81 ± 1.4, and fistulas decreased from 2.62 ± 1.86 to 2 ± 1.9 (p < 0.05). The IHS4 score decreased from 19 ± 10.78 to 12.62 ± 11.13 (p = 0.001), DLQI from 15.76 ± 7.73 to 7.43 ± 7.76 (p < 0.001), and VAS from 6.69 ± 1.56 to 3.64 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the baseline IHS4 scores between patients who had prior surgery with a mean score of 23.86 ± 9.4 versus non-surgical patients with a mean IHS4 score of 9.29 ± 5.53 (p = 0.001). Conclusions: About half of HS patients responded positively to adalimumab treatment; the use of the drug reduces inflammatory lesions, and pain, and improves quality of life.