Differences Between Children and Adults With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Health Services Research
• Pediatric Care

Background:

• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often has its onset in adolescence, yet understanding adolescent healthcare utilization for HS is limited.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for HS patients, especially during formative years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical characteristics and healthcare utilization patterns of pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
• To identify potential areas for improving the diagnostic journey and care for adolescents with HS.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study analyzed claims data from adult and pediatric patients with HS between 2012 and 2016.
• Healthcare utilization was examined, including diagnoses, outpatient visits by specialty, and emergency/inpatient claims.

Main Results:

• The study included 1094 pediatric and 7633 adult HS patients.
• Pediatric patients frequently saw pediatricians, dermatologists, and emergency department (ED) staff before diagnosis, often receiving initial misdiagnoses like folliculitis.
• Pediatric HS patients showed high rates of comorbidities and greater utilization of emergency and urgent care services compared to adults, despite similar ED claim costs.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric patients with HS disproportionately use high-cost emergency department services, indicating a need for improved outpatient management.
• There are significant opportunities to enhance the recognition of HS among both non-dermatologists and dermatologists in pediatric populations.
• Optimizing early diagnosis and outpatient care for pediatric HS can potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.