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. 2024 Apr;10(2):129-132.
doi: 10.1159/000534845. Epub 2023 Nov 17.

Diagnostic Delay in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Still an Unsolved Problem

Inês Aparício Martins  1 , Beatriz Figueira Vilela  1 , Joana Cabete  1   2
Affiliations

Diagnostic Delay in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Still an Unsolved Problem

Inês Aparício Martins et al. Skin Appendage Disord. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a diagnostic delay of 7-10 years. A later diagnosis is associated with development of local sequelae and systemic comorbidities, as well as a reduced response to medical treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the time required for HS diagnosis and investigate factors associated with diagnostic delay.

Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted based on clinical records from HS patients followed at a tertiary hospital, with diagnosis between January 2006 and December 2022.

Results: A total of 285 patients were included. The mean diagnostic delay was 10.1 years, and there was no difference in time to diagnosis during the considered period. A diagnostic delay of more than 5 years was significantly associated with an earlier onset of symptoms, location on breasts and thighs, follicular phenotype, and with cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities. Smoking and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were also associated with a longer diagnostic delay. A personal history of acne and a greater disease severity were associated with an earlier diagnosis.

Conclusions: This study reveals the lack of improvement in the diagnostic delay in HS and highlights its association with atypical clinical manifestations and systemic comorbidities, scarcely reported in literature.

Keywords: Comorbidity; Diagnosis; Hidradenitis suppurativa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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