Outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth in women with hidradenitis suppurativa

Background: Many women affected by hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are of childbearing age. To date, the literature is limited on pregnancy-related outcomes for women with HS. Objective: To investigate maternal and obstetric outcomes and treatment utilization among women with HS. Methods: This retrospective analysis used the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims Database. Pregnant women with HS (n = 998) and 5:1 age-matched pregnant women without HS (n = 5065) were identified and information on claims related to diagnoses, procedures, and medications were analyzed. Results: Compared to women without HS, pregnant women with HS had significantly lower odds of having a live birth (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.51) and significantly higher odds of having elective terminations (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.13-2.96), gestational hypertension (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12-1.84), and cesarean deliveries (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.55), and of receiving HS designated treatment during pregnancy (OR, 4.41; 95% CI, 3.56-5.46). Limitations: Retrospective and convenience sampling and absence of clinical information to correlate HS severity and outcomes. Conclusion: Pregnant women with HS have an increased probability of select complicated maternal and obstetric outcomes. Women planning for pregnancy or who are currently pregnant may benefit from coordinated care by dermatologists and obstetric providers.

Automated summary

Pregnant women with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) have lower odds of live birth, higher odds of elective terminations, gestational hypertension, and cesarean deliveries compared to those without HS. They also have greater odds of receiving designated HS treatment during pregnancy. Coordinated care by dermatologists and obstetric providers may benefit women planning for or currently pregnant.