"Increased hidradenitis suppurativa education needed to aid pediatric diagnosis, treatment." Hallock KK et al.

According to this retrospective cohort study, more training in the diagnosis and treatment of hydrosadenitis suppurativa in pediatric patients could lead to more effective management and fewer emergency room visits, with reduced management costs.

"Hydrosadenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, follicular disease. It has an average onset at age 23 years and is reported to be rare in children. It has been estimated that less than 2% of cases have onset before age 11 years. Despite this, about 50% of patients experience their first symptoms between the ages of 10 and 21 years. It is therefore likely that pediatric HS is actually underestimated, due to missed diagnosis, resulting in delayed therapeutic intervention."

Better training in the diagnosis and treatment of HS of pediatric patients could lead to more effective management of the disorder.

A total of 8,727 subjects were considered, 1,094 (12.5%) under the age of 18 and 7,633 (87.5%) over the age of 18. The professionals involved in the care pathway and their diagnostic skills were assessed. The authors conclude that the results of the study highlight the need for pediatricians, family physicians and emergency medicine physicians to be more aware of the diagnosis of HS.

"Better training of physicians, improved screening measures for HS, and coordination of care could lead to a reduction in diagnostic delay and more effective management of HS."