A comprehensive systemic review and meta-analysis of the association between lipid profile and hidradenitis suppurativa

Background

While several studies have suggested a connection between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a definitive analysis confirming the association between lipid abnormalities and HS based on actual lipid values is lacking. Previous research, using odds ratios from ICD codes, indicates links between elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein levels with HS. However, these findings may not fully represent real-life situations, as no comprehensive analysis using actual lipid measurements has been performed.

Objectives

To examine the relationship between lipid profile values—total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)—and HS.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase was conducted to identify studies reporting lipid profiles in HS patients. A meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs) was performed to assess the association between lipid abnormalities and HS.

Results

The meta-analysis found that HS patients had significantly higher TG levels (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.47, P = 0.004) and lower HDL levels (95% CI: -0.53 to -0.16, P < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. No significant differences were observed in total cholesterol (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.19–0.21, P = 0.93) and LDL levels (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.10–0.17, P = 0.61). These results corroborate earlier studies linking HS with dyslipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia and hypo-HDL cholesterolemia, with the added strength of using actual lipid values.

Conclusions

This study confirms the association between hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol in HS patients, highlighting the broader systemic association of the condition. Dermatologists should monitor lipid profiles in HS patients to mitigate potential cardiovascular risks through early detection and management.