Clinical characteristics of a series of 302 French patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, with an analysis of factors associated with disease severity

Background: Factors associated with the severity of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are not known. Objective: We sought to identify factors associated with the severity of HS. Methodology: The severity of disease in a series of 302 consecutive patients with HS was assessed using the Sartorius score. Results: Atypical locations were more common in men than in women (47.1% vs 14.8%; P < .001). Men also had more severe disease (median Sartorius score: 20.5 vs 16.5; P = .02). Increased body mass index (P < .001), atypical locations (P = .002), a personal history of severe acne (P = .04), and absence of a family history of HS (P = .06) were associated with an increased Sartorius score. The Sartorius score was highly correlated with the intensity and duration of pain and suppuration (all P values < .001). Limitations: The referral center base of the study may have biased recruitment. Conclusion: Our data showed a significant association between the severity of HS and several clinical and behavioral factors. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the prognostic role of these factors. © 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.