Clinical manifestations and quality of life in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: survey of participants from an internet support group

Abstract

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex and infrequent autoinflammatory disease that impacts on quality of life. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood, which limits the development of curative treatments.

Objectives

To evaluate clinical and quality of life aspects of hidradenitis suppurativa patients from a social group on the Internet.

Methods

A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey study among participants in a discussion group (Facebook) of individuals with hidradenitis suppurativa. Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire about clinical-demographic aspects and quality of life (DLQI-BRA).

Results

A total of 390 individuals agreed to participate in the study, 82% of them female, median age (p25-p75), of 31 (25-37) years old, disease onset at 15 (13-23) years, family member affected in 20% of cases, overweight (BMI 29 [25-33]) kg/m2 and severe impact on quality of life (DLQI 20 [13-25]). Regarding Hurley's classification, the participants provided information that enabled classification into: I (19%), II (52%) and III (29%). More severe cases were associated with males (OR = 1.69), higher weight (BMI: OR = 1.03) non-white color (OR = 1.43) and higher frequency of other autoinflammatory diseases (OR = 1.37).

Study limitations

Voluntary adherence survey with self-completion of the questionnaire by 390 from about 1600 group members.

Conclusions

Hidradenitis suppurativa patients who participated in a social network group had onset of the disease after puberty, with a predominance in females and overweight people, with great impact on the quality of life.

INTRODUCTION

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), acne inversa or Verneuil disease is an autoinflammatory, debilitating chronic disease that progresses with recurrent and hard-to-treat papules-nodules, pustules, abscesses and fistulas. The lesions are predominant in areas that are rich in apocrine glands such as axillae, inguinal and anogenital region.^1,2 Its diagnosis is based in three mandatory clinical criteria: typical lesions, typical location, chronicity and recurrence.^3,4

International estimates for the prevalence of HS range between 0.3% to 1% of the general population, being most frequent in women (2-3:1). In Brazil, the estimated incidence is of 0.41%. The first symptoms appear after puberty (90% after 11 years of age), with a higher incidence between 20 and 30 years of age.^5-7

HS is associated to other comorbidities, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, spondyloarthropathies, severe acne (follicular occlusion tetrad), cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease). Due to the symptoms, physical limitations imposed by the disease, frequent recurrence of the lesions and involvement of patients of childbearing age, HS greatly impacts in the quality of life, increasing suicide risk.^8-10

There are few epidemiological studies in Brazil characterizing patients according to clinical and demographic aspects and to the impact on the quality of life. The territorial extension of the country and patient dispersion between multiple specialties (gynecology, plastic surgery, proctology, and dermatology) make the study of large series of cases difficult.¹¹

The Internet enabled new methods of collection of multicentric clinical data, characterizing a way of knowledge and technology production where people from different locations can offer their services, observations, knowledge and intelligence for the development of products or the study of some areas of knowledge voluntarily.^12-14

The objective of this study was to describe and analyze clinical and quality of life aspects of HS patients participating in a Brazilian discussion group about the disease on Facebook.

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional, social media-survey study with participants of a Facebook group destined to discussion and support for patients with HS (http://www.facebook.com/groups/hidradenitesupurativa/) between December 2016 and September 2017. The project was approved by the committee of ethics in research of the institution (CAAEE nº 61575116.4.0000.5411). There was no gender or age group restriction.

HS patients enrolled in the group were invited to access a specific online form (https://goo.gl/forms/24qbLy0T4VLIefd92), developed by the authors of this study, with questions about personal and clinical course characteristics and the Brazilian version of DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index).¹⁵ All registries were verified regarding duplicity and data consistency by redundant questions, included with this purpose.

Hurley's classification (clinical severity) was indicated based on conceptual elements and photographs of lesions with which the patients should identify.

The answers were tabulated and analyzed according to their frequency in percentage or to measurements of central tendency (mean or median) and dispersion (standard deviation and quartiles: p25-p75), according to the normality of data distribution, evaluated by the\Shapiro-Wilk test.¹⁶

The proportions between the subgroups were compared with Pearson's chi-square test.¹⁷ The median number of body regions involved was compared, according to Hurley's scale, by the Jonckheere-Terpstra test.¹⁸

Subsequently, the variations in the levels of clinical severity, quality of life, and age of onset of the disease were evaluated in a multivariate way according to clinical elements (cofactors) by generalized linear models, with estimation of robust covariance. The adjustment of the models was given by AIC (Akaike Information Criterion), being considered significant p<0.05.¹⁷

For the multivariate analysis, missing data in up to 5% of the sample were estimated with the technique of multiple imputation, with 10 interactions.¹⁹

Clinical and demographic variables and affected body regions were categorized and their multivariate correlations (simultaneous) were explored with the analysis of multiple correspondence of two dimensions. The dimension of the effect was estimated by the inertia in each dimension and the associations between the variables were represented by their geometrical proximities.²⁰

The sample was initially planned to satisfy a multivariate model with up to 14 covariables according to the adapted formula of Freeman, with a minimum of 300 participants in total.²¹

The online form was developed with the web Google Forms (http://www.google.com/forms/) app and data were tabulated in MsExcel 2010 and analyzed in the software IBM SPSS 25.0.²²

RESULTS

At the time of the study, the support group was composed by nearly 1600 participants, among which were HS patients, family members, physicians and friends. Of those, 390 HS patients were assessed and their clinical data are shown in table 1. We highlight the predominance of females, the age of onset of the disease in adolescence, the long time between disease onset and accurate diagnosis, high prevalence of current smokers, family history of HS, overweight/obesity and a marked impact in the quality of life.

Table 1.

Main clinical and quality of life data of the hidradenitis suppurativa patients evaluated (n=390)

Variables	Value
Sex - N (%)
Female	318 (82)
Male	72 (18)
Age (in years)*	31 (25-37)
BMI (kg/m2)*	29 (25-33)
Self-reported skin color - N (%)
White	218 (56)
Brown	127 (33)
Black	31 (8)
Yellow	13 (3)
Current smoking - N (%)	103 (26)
Region in Brazil - N (%)
South	48 (12)
Southeast	238 (61)
Mid-West	28 (7)
North	10 (3)
Northeast	55 (14)
First degree family member - N (%)	79 (20)
Age of onset (years)*	15 (13-22)
Time to diagnosis (years)*	6 (2-12)
Time with the disease (years)*	13 (8-20)
Body area affected - N (%)
Inguinal	295 (76)
Axilla	291 (75)
Anogenital	171 (44)
Mammary	123 (32)
Cervical	55 (14)
Buttocks	23 (6)
Number of body areas affected*	3 (2-4)
Outbreaks in the past six months*	5 (3-10)
Hurley stage - N (%)
I	73 (19)
II	199 (52)
III	113 (29)
DLQI*	20 (13-25)

BMI=body mass index; DLQI=Dermatology life quality index;

^*median (p25-p75)

When considering body regions affected according to sex, females had significantly more lesions on the breasts (37% vs. 7%) and inguinal region (79% vs. 63%); however, less perianal lesions (41% vs. 56%). The median number of body regions affected was higher according to Hurley's grade (p<0.01): I (1), II (2) and III (3).

The main comorbidities reported by those interviewed are described in table 2. Conditions associated to hyperinsulinemia, such as diabetes, polycystic ovaries and obesity, besides other autoinflammatory diseases such as acne, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis were reported.

Table 2.

Main comorbidities reported by hidradenitis suppurativa patients evaluated (n=390)

Comorbidities		N (%)
Obesity		127 (33)
Polycystic ovaries		88 (28)*
Acne (scarring)		105 (27)
Lumbar morning pain/stiffness/spondylitis		69 (18)
Diabetes		21 (5)
Morning arthritis (>2 joints)		17 (4)
Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis		6 (2)
Psoriasis		3 (1)

^*percentage of 318 females

The factors associated to worsening HS, identified and reported by the patients, are shown in table 3. Hormonal, climate and behavioral aspects were mentioned. The treatments used by the patients are shown in table 4. Of note, the extensive use of antibiotics, surgery and retinoids.

Table 3.

Main worsening factors for hidradenitis suppurativa reported by the patients evaluated (n=390)

Worsening factors		N (%)
Menstrual period		299 (94)*
Tight clothing		279 (72)
Heat/summer		277 (71)
Shaving		270 (69)
Sweat		269 (69)
Psychological stress		264 (68)
Certain foods		28 (7)

^*percentage of 318 females

Table 4.

Main treatments reported by hidradenitis suppurativa patients evaluated (n=390)

Reported treatments	N (%)
Oral or injectable antibiotics	293 (75)
Topical antibiotics	270 (69)
Surgery	153 (39)
Oral isotretinoin/acitretin	117 (30)
Laser hair removal	53 (14)
Metformin	48 (12)
Dapsone	29 (6)
Antiandrogens (cyproterone, spironolactone)	21 (7)*
Adalimumab/infliximab	16 (4)
Oral or injectable steroids	10 (3)
Finasteride	10 (3)
Radiotherapy	3 (1)

^*percentage of 318 females

With the multivariate analysis, the earlier onset of the disease was directly and independently associated to female sex and to more severe disease (Hurley in the number of affected regions) (Table 5).

Table 5.

Generalized linear model, with distribution of probability type gamma and identity function for the age of onset of the symptoms (n=390)

Cofactors	β coefficient of regression (IC 95%)	p-value
Female gender	-1.74 (-3.51 to 0.00)	<0.01
Self-reported white skin color	0.19 (-1.12 to 1.50)	0.45
Other auto-inflamma- tory diseases	-0.05 (-1.42 to 1.32)	0.15
Hyperinsulinemia	0.23 (-1.62 to 2.08)	0.77
First degree relative affected	-0.57 (-2.30 to 1.6)	0.20
Body mass index	0.06 (-0.0 to 0.21)	0.70
Number of body regions affected		<0.01
Severity (Hurley)		<0.01
I	0.00 (-)
II	-3.45 (-5.68 to -1.22)
III	-0.87 (-3.36 to 1.62)

AIC=2562; p(model)<0.01; p(constant)<0.01

Table 6 shows the factors associated to more severe HS. There was a significant and independent association with male gender, self-reported nonwhite skin color, overweight and other auto-inflammatory diseases.

Table 6.

Generalized linear model (ordinal logistic regression) for clinical severity, according to Hurley's classification (n=390)

Variables	Odds Ratio (95% CI)	p-value
Female gender	1.03 (1.00-1.6)	0.02
Self-reported white skin color	1.43 (1.13-1.80)	<0.01
Other auto- inflammatory diseases	1.37 (1.08-1.73)	<0.01
Hyperinsulinemia	0.84 (0.63-1.14)	0.28
First degree relative affected	0.97 (0.72-1.29)	0.82
Body mass index	1.03 (1.01-1.06)	0.02
Current smoking	0.93 (0.72-1.21)	0.59
Age of onset	0.99 (0.97-1.00)	0.14

AIC=791; p(model)<0.01

A higher impact in the quality of life was independently identified among patients who self-reported as nonwhite, having other autoinflammatory diseases, family history of HS, smokers, large number of affected body regions and more severe clinical lesions (Table 7).

Table 7.

Generalized linear model, with distribution of probability type gamma and identity function for DLQI-BRA score (n=390)

Cofactors	β coefficient of regression (IC 95%)	p-value
Female gender	0.39 (-1.93-2.71)	0.30
Self-reported white skin color	1.82 (0.30-3.33)	<0.01
Other auto-inflammato- ry diseases	0.53 (-1.07-2.14)	<0.01
Hyperinsulinemia	1.14 (-1.17-3.44)	0.71
First degree relative affected	1.41 (-0.44-3.26)	0.04
Current smoking	1.88 (0.29-3.47)	0.02
Body mass index	-0.09 (-0.28-0.10)	0.12
Time with the disease (years)	0.00 (-0.12-0.11)	0.16
Number of body re- gions affected	0.84 (0.12-1.56)	<0.01
Severity (Hurley)		<0.01
I	0.00 (-)
II	1.40 (-0.73-3.52)
III	5.05 (2.78-7.31)

AIC=2618; p(model)<0.01; p(constant)<0.01

The perceptual map of figure 1 integrates and supports the results from tables 5 to 7. We highlight the geometrical proximities of the higher Hurley grade (III) and nonwhite patients, hyperinsulinemia, larger number of affected regions, inflammatory comorbidities, positive family history, and higher BMI. The mildest grade (I) approximates lower BMIs, self-reported white skin color, lower number of affected regions, absence of hyperinsulinemia, of family history and inflammatory comorbidities. Furthermore, quality of life scores follow the degree of inflammation.

Figure 1.

Perceptual map of the analysis of multiple correspondence of clinical variables and quality of life of the participants evaluated (n=390)

DISCUSSION

The group of patients studied had similar features to many series of cases described in the literature: predominance of females, age of onset after puberty, high prevalence of smoking, obesity, inflammatory diseases, family history of HS, diseases coursing with hyperinsulinemia and a marked impact in the quality of life.^23,24

The factors related to worsening of the condition referred mainly to hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, occlusion and heat. Aspects related to diet were reported by 7% of the patients, what indicates a possibility for the investigation of dietary aspects, still little explored in international studies.^25,26

A great variety of treatments was reported by patients; in the great majority antibiotics were prescribed. A small portion reported surgical treatment and even less patients reported the use of biologics, what reflects a still limited access to treatments of the most severe forms.²⁷

Since the patients studied came from a help and discussion group about the disease, it is plausible that severe cases are more representative in the sample (Hurley II and III) than what would be expected in the general population, as what happens in series of cases from tertiary services. However, the higher proportion of severe cases favors a comparison between the subgroups and the exploration of factors associated to increased clinical severity, in this case: male gender, self-reported nonwhite skin color, overweight and other auto-inflammatory diseases.^23,28

The largest epidemiological studies in HS come from hospital cases, subject to selection bias. Our results support the literature regarding the factors associated to increased severity, and also highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, in order to minimize sequelae.^11,29,30

Social media users can present selection bias for better financial conditions and education. For this reason, the survey did not evaluate the aspects related to socioeconomic condition, although increased severity and prevalence of HS among less favored groups are reported.³¹ In Brazil, low family income and schooling are also associated to nonwhite populations.^32-35 Specific designs should be developed to explore these aspects linked to HS.

HS clinical manifestations appear after puberty, usually between the second and third decades of life. Cases of earlier onset were associated to female gender and to more severe disease (Hurley and number of affected body regions). These data confirm the results of international case series, except for family history of HS which, in our sample, was not associated to an earlier onset of the disease.^36-39

Many variables indicated the influence in the perception of quality of life ((QoL) in HS patients, suggesting that different life dimensions could be involved in the process of perception of the distress caused by the disease, besides clinical and symptomatic representation. QoL scores in patients with severe HS are usually higher than in other skin conditions and also higher compared to patients with clinical conditions such as malignant neoplasms, Parkinson's disease and stroke.^40-44

The multivariate spatial exploration allowed for a broad evaluation of the correlations between the different variables studied. The perception of impact in the quality of life followed the grades of severity of HS which, in turn, were correlated to inflammatory aspects, hyperinsulinemia, family history and race (nonwhite). These findings reinforce the concept that HS is a multifactorial disease, dependent of the genetic background and triggered by endocrine and inflammatory aspects.^45-48

Studies with nonrandomized samples disfavors the estimation of the prevalence of the disease in the population or even of the variables studied, since the proportion of cases with different severities might not represent the fractions found in the population. Moreover, social media-recruited surveys can inflate severe cases of the disease. However, as with other cross-sectional studies, internal comparisons among subtype variables can be estimated, with limited inference in the population.

Self-reported surveys are also susceptible to the loss of accuracy of information and the inability of confirming their authenticity. It was up to the authors to develop an intuitive questionnaire and, at the end, identify cases of duplicate or inconsistent forms that could lead to loss of quality of the analysis. Still, it is one of the largest series of cases of HS ever studied, whose observed clinical features and associations are compatible with the literature.^{2,5,7,11,40,49,50}

The formation of patient groups for support, information and discussion is made easier by the Internet and social media. Such grouping favors the collection of clinical-epidemiological information or even the recruitment of patients to clinical trials or pathophysiology studies. Recruiting techniques in virtual groups such as crowdsourcing can have a multicentric characteristic and, particularly in less prevalent diseases, encourage science progress quicker than what would happen with individualized study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hidradenitis suppurativa patients that participate in a social media group developed the disease after puberty, had a predominance of females, overweight and a marked impact in the quality of life. Recruitment of participants in social media can be a source of relevant scientific information, particularly in less frequent diseases.