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. 2022 Mar;8(2):118-121.
doi: 10.1159/000519135. Epub 2021 Sep 22.

Management Landscape of Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Justine R Seivright  1 , Erin Collier  1 , Tristan Grogan  2 , Terri Shih  1 , Marcia Hogeling  3 , Vivian Y Shi  4 , Jennifer L Hsiao  3
Affiliations

Management Landscape of Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Justine R Seivright et al. Skin Appendage Disord. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an understudied condition, and the literature describing the provider landscape for this disease is limited. We aim to characterize healthcare utilization in a cohort of pediatric HS patients at an academic institution.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with HS before age 18 were identified via retrospective chart review using ICD-9/10 codes for HS. Data on demographics and HS providers were collected.

Results: We found that half of the pediatric HS patients first presented to primary care with their HS symptoms. There was a mean delay in diagnosis of 2 years. Dermatologists and pediatricians were the principal HS care providers, and dermatologists most frequently prescribed treatment or procedures (63%). We also found a low rate of utilization of the HS specialty clinic (11%). Females, patients with more severe disease, and patients with earlier age of onset were more likely to be seen by a dermatologist.

Conclusions: Dermatologists play a pivotal role in pediatric HS management as principal care providers for patients. Increasing HS awareness among primary care providers, including pediatricians, is critical for early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Keywords: Acute care utilization; General dermatology; Healthcare utilization; Hidradenitis suppurativa; Pediatric dermatology; Provider landscape.

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Conflict of interest statement

J.L.H. is on the Board of Directors for the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation and has served as an advisor for Novartis and a speaker for AbbVie. V.Y.S. is on the Board of the Directors for the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation and has served as an advisor, investigator, and/or speaker for Sanofi Genzyme, Regeneron, AbbVie, Burt's Bees, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Galderma, Leo Pharma, SUN Pharma, Menlo Therapeutics, GpSkin, and Skin Actives Scientific. M.H. is an investigator for Amgen and Celgene. J.S., E.C., T.G., and T.S. report no conflicts of interest. There was no financial transaction for the preparation of the manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Healthcare providers involved in care of pediatric HS patients (n = 73). *Percent of female patients. **First provider to see the patient for HS symptoms within the institution. HS, hidradenitis suppurativa.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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