Neoadjuvant Biologic Therapy in the Surgical Management of Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease characterized by recurrent flares of nodules, abscesses and fistulae, predominantly in the apocrine gland-bearing areas. These symptoms progress to scarring if not adequately treated, leading to functional limitations (1). Disease management is challenging, the 2 mainstays of treatment being biologic drugs and surgery. However, scientific evidence regarding the combined use of both therapies is scarce and is limited to a few studies (2–4). A clinical trial (SHARPS Study) is in progress on the safety and efficacy of peri-surgically administered adalimumab, but the results are not yet available (5). The objectives of this study were: to assess the clinical features of patients with HS undergoing surgery with neoadjuvant biologic treatment; to explore the complications of this combined approach; and to compare recurrence rates at 24 weeks after surgery between patients on concomitant biologic treatment and those who are not on biologic treatment.