High prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among hidradenitis suppurativa patients independent of classic metabolic risk factors

Background Some chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, have been associated with an increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nevertheless, this prevalence in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has not been assessed to date. Objectives To determine the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with HS and the risk factors associated with this disorder. Methods This case-control study enrolled 70 HS patients and 150 age- and gender-matched controls who were evaluated by hepatic ultrasonography (US) and transient elastography (TE) after excluding other secondary causes of chronic liver disease. The diagnosis of NAFLD was established if US and/or TE were altered. Results The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly increased in patients with HS compared to controls (72.9% vs. 24.7%: P < 0.001). In the multivariable regression model adjusted for age, sex and classic metabolic risk factors for NAFLD, HS was significantly and independently associated with the presence of NAFLD [OR 7.75 confidence interval (CI) 2.54-23.64; P Our results show a high prevalence of NAFLD in HS patients independent of classic metabolic risk factors. Therefore, we suggest HS patients to be evaluated for NAFLD and managed accordingly.