Implications of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Phenotypes in Cardiovascular Risk and Treatment Decisions: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> New integrative hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesion pattern phenotypes have been proposed, an inflammatory phenotype (IP) and a follicular phenotype (FP). They are characterized by different lesion patterns, symptoms, and risks of disease progression. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To evaluate whether lesion pattern phenotypes (1) have a different cardiovascular risk factor profile, and (2) are associated with a different therapeutic approach in the setting of an HS clinic. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 233 patients with HS. They were classified according to lesion pattern phenotype criteria. Data regarding cardiovascular risk factors and treatment decisions were gathered. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One hundred and seventeen HS patients (50.21%) were classified as FP and 112 (48.07%) as IP. IP was associated with more severe disease and greater impairment of quality of life. Regardless of disease severity, patients with IP may have a higher cardiovascular risk, assessed according to higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (12.75 vs. 5.89, <i>p</i> = 0.059). The lesion pattern phenotype also influenced treatment decisions regardless of disease severity. Patients with IP were more likely to be treated with systemic corticosteroids and adalimumab, showing that lesion pattern phenotypes are associated with different therapeutic approaches. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> IP is associated with higher CRP values, suggesting a greater cardiovascular risk in these patients and also a different therapeutic approach. This information could help guide dermatologists in the management of HS patients and help to determine future treatment recommendations.