Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Crohn's Disease: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) presents with chronic abscesses and sinus tracts.
• Cutaneous Crohn's Disease (CD) can mimic HS symptoms.
• Understanding the overlap between HS and CD is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize an Irish cohort with co-occurring HS and CD.
• To better recognize clinical manifestations of combined HS and CD.
• To gain insights into the pathophysiology of these overlapping conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with HS and CD between 1990-2014 at Tallaght Hospital.
• Utilized HIPE Code for case identification.
• Analyzed demographic, clinical, and treatment data.

Main Results:

• Seven patients with both HS and CD were identified (5/7 female).
• The median age at diagnosis for both conditions was 37 years, with CD preceding HS.
• All patients smoked, 6 had increased BMI, and 43% had other autoimmune conditions.
• TNF-alpha inhibitor treatment for HS led to reduced flare-ups and clinical activity in 5/6 patients.

Conclusions:

• Combined HS and CD is observed in an Irish population, with specific demographic and risk factor profiles.
• CD diagnosis consistently preceded HS diagnosis in this cohort.
• TNF-alpha inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in managing HS in patients with co-existing CD.