Mohsen ST, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2025;doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.1565.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules in intertriginous regions that affects many pediatric patients. A significant proportion of patients with pediatric-onset HS may experience comorbidities, including metabolic and psychiatric disorders, adversely impacting their quality of life.
Past studies have estimated that between 34% and 93% of children with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) experience a range of comorbidities.
A total of 19 studies, encompassing 17 267 pediatric patients with HS and 8 259 944 controls, were included. Pediatric patients with HS included in studies were predominantly female (mean of 76.7% [11 683 of 15 232]). The most prevalent comorbidities were acne vulgaris (pooled proportion, 43%; 95% CI, 21-65), obesity (pooled proportion, 37%; 95% CI, 27-46), anxiety (pooled proportion, 18%; 95% CI, 4-31), and hirsutism (pooled proportion, 14%; 95% CI, 6-21). Multiple studies reported on the concurrence of pediatric HS and obesity or depression (GRADE: moderate certainty), and 3 studies reported an association with diabetes (GRADE: low certainty).