Clinical Epidemiology and Phenotypic Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease in the Central Region of Saudi Arabia: Findings from a Cross-Sectional.

Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a complex condition that is often misdiagnosed, and regional data on its clinical features and risk factors are limited. This study aimed to explore the clinical epidemiology and phenotypic characteristics of HS in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on HS patients at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh from December 2020 to December 2021. Clinical, epidemiological, and comorbidity data were collected, and the severity of HS was categorized with the Hurley staging system. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS, with the significance level set to p < 0.05.

Results: Of the patients, 54.8% were aged 15-30 years, 57.04% were female, and 95.56% were Saudi. Obesity was present in 48.89% of the patients, and 34.07% were smokers. The comorbid conditions included acne (10.37%), asthma (8.15%), mental disorders (2.22%), and endocrine or noncommunicable diseases (18.52%). Most patients (80.74%) had multiple affected sites. No significant associations were found between these factors and HS severity (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, HS primarily affects young, unmarried Saudi female patients, many of whom are smokers and have comorbid conditions such as asthma and skin disorders. Clinicians should carefully assess the risk profiles of patients, particularly those with smoking habits and comorbidities, and consider screening for HS in high-risk groups.