January 6, 2024 | Alexa B. Kimball, Joslyn Kirby, John R. Ingram, Tanja Tran, Ingrid Pansar, Valerie Ciaravino, Damon Willems, Anne-Mary Lewis-Mikhael, Vanita Tongbram, Amit Garg
This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in real-world settings. The review included 58 observational studies published between January 2010 and August 2021, with a sample size of at least 100 patients. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was the most commonly used instrument, with mean baseline scores ranging from 8.4 to 16.9, indicating a significant negative impact on HRQoL. Higher scores were associated with more severe disease and female patients. Pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), with mean baseline scores ranging from 3.6 to 7.7, indicating moderate to high levels of pain. HS also negatively affected psychological well-being, with higher anxiety and depression scores compared to the general population. Sexual dysfunction was reported in a high proportion of patients, particularly women. Work productivity and leisure activity were consistently impaired in patients with HS. The review highlights the need for better disease management approaches to address the observed low quality of life in patients with HS.This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in real-world settings. The review included 58 observational studies published between January 2010 and August 2021, with a sample size of at least 100 patients. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was the most commonly used instrument, with mean baseline scores ranging from 8.4 to 16.9, indicating a significant negative impact on HRQoL. Higher scores were associated with more severe disease and female patients. Pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), with mean baseline scores ranging from 3.6 to 7.7, indicating moderate to high levels of pain. HS also negatively affected psychological well-being, with higher anxiety and depression scores compared to the general population. Sexual dysfunction was reported in a high proportion of patients, particularly women. Work productivity and leisure activity were consistently impaired in patients with HS. The review highlights the need for better disease management approaches to address the observed low quality of life in patients with HS.