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Biologic and Systemic Agents in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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Biologic and Systemic Agents in Dermatology

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease with signs of inflammatory nodules, abscesses, draining fistulas, and sinus tracts and symptoms of severe pain. Few therapies have been evaluated rigorously for efficacy and safety in placebo-controlled trials. Therapies with best evidence for efficacy and safety include oral antibiotics (tetracycline or clindamycin/rifampicin) and adalimumab (which is the sole FDA- and EMA-approved therapy for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa). Other medical modalities (retinoids, hormone therapy, zinc) are supported by small open-label or retrospective studies. Surgery is a practical option if disease extent is limited. The severe quality of life impairment resulting from HS, and the risk of disease progression in patients whose inflammatory disease is inadequately controlled, should spur clinicians to change therapies for patients who are languishing on suboptimal therapy.

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Abbreviations

HiSCR:

Hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response

HS:

Hidradenitis suppurativa

HSS:

Hidradenitis suppurativa score

STEEP:

Skin-tissue-saving excision with electrosurgical peeling

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fort HealthCare Department of Dermatology, 611 Sherman Avenue East, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538, USA

    Martin M. Okun MD, PhD

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  1. Martin M. Okun MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Martin M. Okun MD, PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine a UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Paul S. Yamauchi

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Okun, M.M. (2018). Biologic and Systemic Agents in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. In: Yamauchi, P. (eds) Biologic and Systemic Agents in Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66884-0_36

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66884-0_36

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