Hidradenitis Suppurativa Linked to Higher Risk of Serious Eye Diseases: Study
Researchers have determined in a new study that hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a long-term inflammatory skin condition, is linked to an increased risk of specific inflammatory eye diseases, such as corneal ulcers, marginal corneal ulcers, and scleritis, but with a decreased risk for some types of conjunctivitis. The study was published in the Ocular Immunology and Inflammation journal by Jason J. and colleagues.
The research employed the Global TriNetX Database, comparing data from a large matched cohort of 57,749 adults with HS and healthy controls. Researchers compared relative risk (RR) ratios for both inflammatory and infectious ocular conditions. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to determine if the utilization of biologic drugs changed the risk for ocular conditions among patients with HS.
Results
The study revealed that HS patients had a significantly higher risk of a number of serious eye conditions.
Corneal ulcers: RR 1.66, p = 0.001
Marginal corneal ulcers: RR 2.82, p = 0.002
Scleritis: RR 1.89, p = 0.009
On the other hand, HS patients had a lowered risk of conjunctivitis, including:
All conjunctivitis: RR 0.75, p < 0.001
Acute atopic conjunctivitis: RR 0.78, p < 0.001
Mucopurulent conjunctivitis: RR 0.71, p < 0.001
In the adalimumab or secukinumab-treated subgroup of HS patients, the risk of conjunctivitis was significantly lower in comparison to HS patients without biologics:
Conjunctivitis among users of biologics: RR 0.62, p < 0.001
HS adults are at a higher risk of corneal ulcers, marginal corneal ulcers, and scleritis but present with decreased risk of conjunctivitis, especially in biologic-treated cases. These results underscore the significance of periodic ophthalmologic assessment among HS patients, particularly those with recurrent or inexplicable ocular symptoms. The addition of biologics as part of treatment regimens may provide protection benefits beyond skin condition, further justifying their use in comprehensive HS management.
Reference:
Jo, J. J., Verma, H., Alani, O., Kasi, A., Ayub, M., Gulati, N., & Ahmad, S. (2025). Risk of Ophthalmologic Comorbidities in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients. Ocular immunology and inflammation, 1–7. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09273948.2025.2550487
