Investigation of the frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with Hidradenitis suppurativa

Aim: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease of the follicular unit that is not limited to the skin due to the inflammatory cytokines in its pathogenesis and may be associated with many systemic comorbidities. Metabolic syndrome, which is thought to be one of the comorbidities of hidradenitis suppurativa, increases the risk of cardiocerebrovascular events that may result in sequelae or death. Although recent studies have reported a high prevalance of metabolic syndrome in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, the reason for this relationship is not yet clear. This study aimed to examine the frequency of metabolic syndrome in hidradenitis suppurativa patients in comparison with the healthy population and to identify metabolic syndrome-related risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa aged 18 years and older, who had not received any systemic treatment in the previous six months and who had registered at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of Balcalı Hospital, Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine between August 2023 and February 2024, and 50 healthy volunteers matched for age, sex and body mass index. The presence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance was investigated and the two groups were compared. Age, gender, body mass index, smoking-alcohol consumption, disease severity, disease duration, affected body areas and number are determined; inflammation markers were measured and the effects of these parameters on metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was applied to the associated variables. Results: Metabolic syndrome was detected in 62% of the patients and in 22% of the controls included in the study. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.001) (Odds ratio: 5.78; 95% confidence interval: 2.4-13.9). When examining insulin resistance, it was observed in 48% of the patients and in 24% of the controls, and a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p=0.022). A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the presence of metabolic syndrome and age, body mass index, number of lesioned areas, genital involvement, smoking, IHS4 and modified Sartorius scores in the patient group (p<0.05). Body mass index and smoking continued to retain their significance when multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied. Conclusion: The results of our study show that the prevalance of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance is increased in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa compared to the normal population. It can be said that the highest risk among hidradenitis suppurativa patients is in individuals with a high body mass index and smokers. We recommend that patients, especially those in the risk group, be screened for metabolic syndrome at regular intervals and evaluated in collaboration with the relevant specialties. Keywords: Hidradenitis suppurativa, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome