Prevalence of Comorbidities Among Pediatric Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

JAMA Dermatology

Clinical Summary

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What was studied

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies (search to February 20, 2025) assessing prevalence and associations of comorbidities in pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa, including 17,267 pediatric HS patients and 8,259,944 controls.

Key findings

Pooled prevalence in pediatric HS: acne vulgaris 43% (95% CI, 21–65), obesity 37% (95% CI, 27–46), anxiety 18% (95% CI, 4–31), and hirsutism 14% (95% CI, 6–21). HS cohorts were predominantly female (76.7%: 11,683/15,232). Multiple studies reported concurrence with obesity or depression (GRADE: moderate certainty), and 3 studies reported an association with diabetes (GRADE: low certainty).

Study limitations

Association with diabetes was based on only 3 studies with low certainty. Effect sizes versus controls and heterogeneity statistics are not reported in the abstract.

Clinical implications

Pediatric HS often coexists with acne, obesity, and anxiety; screen for these and consider multidisciplinary care. Evidence for diabetes association is weaker.