Characterization and Management of Inflammatory Eye Disease in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the spectrum and treatment outcomes of inflammatory eye disease (IED) in subjects with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective chart review of 236 patients with HS seen for ophthalmic examination between 2013 and 2018.

Results: Of 236 subjects with HS, 22 subjects (9.3%) were found to have IED. Seven of 22 subjects had more than one IED diagnosis. Anterior uveitis was the most common type of IED (40.9% of subjects with IED). Episcleritis, optic neuritis, keratitis, scleritis, intermediate and posterior uveitis, trochleitis, and dacryoadenitis were also observed. Of subjects with HS and IED, 59.1% did not have any other inflammatory or autoimmune disease that could explain the etiology of their IED. Eleven patients with IED were treated with systemic immunosuppression, with IED as the principal factor directing treatment in three patients.

Conclusions: IED may be independently associated with HS and may benefit from systemic immunosuppression.

KEYWORDS:

• adalimumab
• hidradenitis suppurativa
• inflammation
• Uveitis

Declaration of interest

The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant or financial assistance from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.