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Prevalence and factors associated with hidradenitis suppurativa: results from two case-control studies

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Published:30th Sep 2008

Author: Revuz JE, Canoui-Poitrine F, Wolkenstein P, Viallette C, Gabison G, Pouget F et al.

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

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Ref.:J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Oct;59(4):596-601.

DOI:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.06.020

Prevalence and factors associated with hidradenitis suppurativa: results from two case-control studies

Background: Conflicting opinions have been reported regarding the epidemiology of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa and to identify associated factors.

Methodology: Prevalence was evaluated using a representative sample of the French population (n=10,000). Associated risk factors were assessed using two case-control studies, one population-based with 67 self-reported patients and 200 control subjects, and the other clinic-based with 302 medically assessed patients and 906 control subjects.

Results: The prevalence was 1% of the French population. Multivariate analyses showed a strong association with current smoking in self-reported (odds ratio=4.16, 95% confidence interval [2.99-8.69]) and in medically assessed (odds ratio=12.55 [8.58-18.38]) populations. Association with body mass index was significant in medically assessed patients (odds ratio=1.12 [1.08-1.15]) for each increase of 1 U of BMI.

Limitations: A causal relationship could not be established with such a cross-sectional study.

Conclusion: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a common disease, frequently associated with smoking and being overweight.

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