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Obesity in Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Scoping Review
Shanti Mehta1, Dea Metko2, Joseph M Lam3,4
1Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric obesity is rising, and this study found a link between it and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Further research is needed to understand the shared factors and impacts on adolescent quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- The link between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and obesity is known in adults.
- Pediatric obesity prevalence is increasing globally, prompting investigation into related conditions.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current evidence on the association between HS and obesity in children and adolescents.
- To explore potential underlying mechanisms contributing to this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A review of existing literature and data.
- Analysis of a cohort of 2911 pediatric patients with HS.
- Classification of patients based on Body Mass Index (BMI) for obesity and overweight status.
Main Results:
- A significant association was identified between obesity and HS in the pediatric population.
- Over 42% of the studied pediatric HS patients were classified as obese (BMI > 30).
- Approximately 14% of patients were overweight (BMI 25-29.9).
Conclusions:
- Obesity is associated with HS in pediatric patients.
- Potential explanations include shared genetic predispositions and hereditary factors.
- The impact of HS on adolescent quality of life may also play a role in the observed association.
Abstract:
The relationship between HS and obesity, while well established in adult patients, has drawn increased attention in pediatric patients given the rising prevalence of pediatric obesity worldwide. This review aims to consolidate existing evidence of the relationship between HS and obesity in the pediatric population and to hypothesize about reasons for an association between the two conditions. Our cohort comprised 2911 patients with a mean age of 11.4 years at the age of onset of HS, and based on body mass index (BMI), 42.3% of patients were classified as obese (BMI > 30), and 14% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9). Our findings indicate an association between obesity and HS in pediatric patients, which may be explained through numerous mechanisms, including shared genetic factors, hereditary relationships, and the impact of HS on adolescents' quality of life.
