Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Although the association between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been demonstrated, we aimed to investigate risk factors for MetS in patients with HS, as this topic has been addressed in only a limited number of previous studies.

To compare the frequency of MetS and its components, 50 adult patients with HS and 50 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were included in the study. Subsequently, the effects of age, sex, BMI, smoking status, and the modified Sartorius score on MetS in the patients with HS were examined using Firth's bias-reduced logistic regression analysis.

MetS and two of its components, namely central obesity and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, were significantly more common in the patients (62% vs. 22%, 64% vs. 28%, and 46% vs. 18%, respectively). The patients had higher rates of smoking (76% vs. 34%). Firth's logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio: 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.43) and BMI (1.94, 1.25-4.54) were significantly associated with MetS in the patients with HS. The positive association between smoking and MetS was borderline significant (p = 0.053).

Our findings suggest the need for proactive metabolic screening in routine HS care. Physicians should not only screen for MetS at the initial visit but also remain particularly vigilant during follow-up in older patients and those experiencing weight gain.