Subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa treated with TNF inhibitors

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an independent risk factor for the development of subclinical atherosclerosis. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are effective for the treatment of recalcitrant moderate-to-severe HS. However, the effect of treatment with TNF inhibitors on subclinical atherosclerosis in HS patients has not been previously investigated. ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to assess changes in biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose and lipid levels) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) values in Hurley stage II and III HS patients undergoing treatment with TNF inhibitors. MethodsThis was a single center prospective study including 30 patients with Hurley stage II and III HS and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Baseline values of biochemical parameters and CIMT were compared to the values recorded after at least 6 months of TNF inhibitor therapy. ResultsCIMT values of the HS patients significantly exceeded those of HCs (for right p = 0.011 and for left p = 0.017). After at least 6 months of TNF inhibitor therapy, there was a statistically significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (p = 0.001), whereas total cholesterol levels significantly increased (p = 0.001). CIMT values also significantly increased (for right p = 0.02 and for left p = 0.01). Study limitations and conclusionsSmall sample size is limitation of the current study. Our study shows that patients with Hurley stage II and III HS undergoing TNF inhibitor therapy are under risk for progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess changes in biochemical parameters and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) values in HS patients undergoing TNF inhibitor therapy. The results showed that CIMT values of HS patients significantly exceeded those of healthy controls. After TNF inhibitor therapy, fasting blood glucose levels significantly decreased, while total cholesterol levels and CIMT values significantly increased.