All-cause mortality among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: A population-based cohort study in the United States.

BACKGROUND

The mortality risk for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare mortality risk among individuals with and without HS in the United States.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study in a population sample identified by using electronic health records data between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. Primary outcome was incidence of 5-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The crude 5-year mortality rate among patients with HS was 2.4% (321/13 289), compared with 2.7% (18 508/685 573) among control individuals. In the fully adjusted model, the increase in HS mortality risk was 14% (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.28). Overall, excess risk of death attributable to HS was 3.1 deaths per 1000 patients (95% CI, 0.2-6.0) during the study period. Characteristics associated with mortality among patients with HS included age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06), male sex (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.79), ever-smoking status (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.16-1.92), and Charlson Comorbidity Index score (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21-1.29).

LIMITATIONS: The follow-up period may not have been long enough to assess the influence of disease severity or duration on mortality.

CONCLUSION

HS appears to confer an independent risk of all-cause mortality. This risk is also influenced by tobacco smoking and comorbidities, which may be modifiable.