Prevalence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in the Netherlands: A Cross-Sectional Study as Part of the Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA)

Introduction: 

The global prevalence of the chronic and debilitating skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is currently unknown. Depending on the research type and the studied population, reported prevalence rates for HS range from 0.03% to 4.1%. It is crucial to investigate the global prevalence of HS using a standardized study design to facilitate earlier recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. Consequently, a worldwide initiative, the Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA), has developed a study design to investigate the worldwide prevalence of HS in a comparable manner. In cooperation with this initiative, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HS in the Netherlands. 

Methods: 

An explorative, descriptive, cross-sectional mono-center study was conducted at the Ear Nose Throat and Internal Medicine department of the Erasmus Medical Center. Healthy adults accompanying patients undergoing care in a hospital setting were asked to fill out a validated questionnaire and undergo physical examination. Primary outcome was the point prevalence of HS. 

Results: 

In total, 663 participants were included in this study. Overall, the prevalence of HS was 0.60% (4/663, 95% confidence interval 0.32%-1.54%). 

Conclusion: 

The point prevalence of HS in the Netherlands is 0.60%. This study is part of a global initiative; therefore, data can be incorporated in a worldwide analysis of the HS prevalence.