Risk of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Population-based Cohort Study

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are chronic inflammatory conditions that significantly affect quality of life. While both disorders have distinct manifestations, they share common risk factors such as obesity and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate whether CTS is associated with an increased risk of HS.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the TriNetX Global Health Research Network. Adults diagnosed with CTS were matched 1:1 with controls without CTS, based on age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and healthcare utilization. Individuals with prior HS or cancer were excluded. The primary outcome was new-onset HS, identified by ICD-10 codes. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses incorporated varied wash-out periods, alternative CTS definitions, and different follow-up durations.

After matching, 493,181 patients were included in each group. Over a 15-year follow-up period, patients with CTS showed a significantly higher risk of HS (HR=1.739; 95%CI=1.617-1.871). Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of the results, with HRs ranging from 1.647 (95%CI=1.572-1.726) to 2.142 (95%CI=1.979-2.318) across different models. In stratified analyses, the association remained significant across all subgroups. Among males, the HR was 1.249 (95%CI=1.042-1.498), whereas among females, it was 1.739 (95%CI=1.606-1.884). Patients aged 18-64 years had an HR of 1.772 (95%CI=1.642-1.913), while those aged ≥65 years had an HR of 1.479 (95%CI=1.146-1.907).

CTS is significantly associated with an increased risk of HS. These findings suggest a possible shared inflammatory pathway, and dermatologic comorbidities in CTS patients should be carefully considered.