Date of Award

Fall 9-20-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (MMSc)

First Advisor

Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD

Abstract

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can manifest in recurrent nodules and abscesses, and is typically localized to intertriginous areas of skin. As the disease progresses, fistulas and sinus tracts may also develop. Oral tetracyclines are often used as therapy, either acutely or chronically.

Objectives:

We investigated the efficacy of long-term systemic antibiotic treatment in HS management compared to more acute courses. Specifically, we evaluated any changes in the disease severity during or after the antibiotic course.

Methods:

Data used in this study originates from medical records associated with Yale School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Health from January 2021-2023. Patients were categorized by length of antibiotic use to treat HS acutely (<12 weeks) or long-term (≥12 weeks). Charts were manually reviewed to determine any changes.

Results:

Out of 207 patients, 41.94% of patients taking long-term antibiotics experienced a complete response, 35.48% a partial response, and 22.58% had no response. 25.30% of patients taking short-term antibiotics experienced a complete response, 37.35% a partial response, and 37.35% had no response.

Conclusions:

Long-term antibiotic courses proved to be more effective in the management of HS than short-term courses. In addition, systemic tetracycline efficacy decreases with increased Hurley stage.

Comments

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