Hidradenitis suppurativa as seen by the patient

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a common disease that significantly reduces the quality of life of patients of reproductive age; its exact prevalence is unknown in most countries due to late and poor diagnosis. In order to clarify the prevalence of HS, an analysis of the structure of newly identified cases of this disease was carried out in the State Scientific Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the period 2008-2021. inclusive. In order to study the characteristics of the course of HS, its impact on behavior and receipt of medical care from the patient’s point of view, an anonymous quantitative online survey of patients was conducted. Results: During the specified period, 765 cases (0.36% of the total number of all newly diagnosed cases) were diagnosed in the section “L73 Other diseases of the hair follicles” in the State Scientific Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The diagnosis of GG (ICD code L73.2) was first established in only 59 cases (about 8% of identified cases using code L73). 1035 respondents took part in the survey. The survey revealed that patients with HS are worried about: 66% - swelling, 55% - pain, 38% - purulent discharge and/or blood, 25% of patients noted itching that bothers them. The majority of patients rated the severity of pain as moderate (29%) and slight pain (29%). 44% of patients continue to search for a primary care physician; 18% of patients are observed by one doctor (dermatologist and/or surgeon); 9% of patients visited 2-3 doctors before receiving the necessary help. Conclusion: All over the world, the “search” for a specialist who will correctly diagnose, prescribe adequate treatment and accompany its long process is still a complex and unsolved task. In order to improve the quality of medical care for patients with HH, it is necessary to develop and implement domestic guidelines, as well as the development and implementation of educational programs for interested specialists.