The Use of HSQoL-24 in an Assessment of Quality-of-Life Impairment among Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: First Look at Real-Life Data

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with well-documented effects on patients’ quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of patients with HS via the use of a newly developed questionnaire: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life-24 (HSQoL-24). This study was performed on a population of 342 HS patients. Their QoL was assessed via the HSQoL-24 questionnaire. The perceived impairment of QoL due to HS in the studied group was considered to be serious (mean HSQoL-24 score: 58.3 ± 21.0 points). Women tended to experience a significantly higher impact from the disease than men (61.6 ± 19.2 points vs. 51.1 ± 23.1 points, p < 0.001). The HS severity had an effect on the perceived QoL, with statistically significant differences being evident between the self-assessed HS severity groups. The level of QoL impairment correlated positively with the number of affected body areas (r = 0.285, p < 0.001) and the duration of the disease (r = 0.173, p = 0.001), while the patients’ age at disease onset correlated negatively with the HSQoL-24 global score (r = −0.182, p = 0.001). Patients living in their family house scored higher than other groups. The least affected were patients who lived alone. The study shows that the HSQoL-24 questionnaire is a reliable, HS-specific tool for measuring the QoL among patients with HS in real-life clinical settings.

Risk of cardiovascular disorders in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: a large‐scale, propensity‐matched global retrospective cohort study

“…25,26 The devastating effect of HS on patients' quality of life (QoL) has been well documented. [27][28][29] The burden of the disease is comparable to or even higher than that of severe systemic disorders, including congestive heart failure or depression. 30 HS affects patients' QoL, caretakers, and families, leading to stigmatization, alexithymia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, workplace challenges, sexual impairment, and domestic violence.…”

“…Skin lesions are associated with severe, chronic pain and itch, constant purulent discharge with a foul smell, and skin contractions with movement impairment because of vast scarring 25,26 . The devastating effect of HS on patients' quality of life (QoL) has been well documented 27–29 . The burden of the disease is comparable to or even higher than that of severe systemic disorders, including congestive heart failure or depression 30 .…”

Surgical Treatment in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…Pain scoring using a visual analog scale (VAS) and dermatology quality of life index (DQLI) assessment prior to treatment provide a baseline reference against which to measure treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction [9][10][11]. Quality of life assessment tools such as HiSQOL [12], HSQoL-24 [13], or others [5] are specific for HS. Validated versions for the population in a specific country can be used for assessment of the quality of life.…”