A study published in JAMA suggests that hidradenitis suppurativa is linked to adverse maternal and offspring outcomes in the peripartum period and in the long term.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with morbidity in persons of reproductive age, but the effect on maternal and offspring outcomes is understudied.
A study was done to determine the association of HS with pregnancy outcomes and maternal and child morbidity in the long term. This population-based longitudinal cohort study with up to 16 years of follow-up took place between 2006 and 2022 in Quebec, Canada. Outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and other birth outcomes as well as the long-term risk of hospitalization up to 16 years after delivery.

The study used adjusted log-binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the association between maternal HS and pregnancy outcomes or hospitalization following pregnancy. Outcomes in both mothers and offspring were assessed. Results There were 1 324 488 deliveries during the study, including 1332 (0.1%) among mothers with HS. Compared with patients without HS, patients with HS had a greater risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (risk ratio [RR], 1.55 [95% CI, 1.29-1.87]), gestational diabetes (RR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.40-1.85]), and severe maternal morbidity (RR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.03-1.84]).
In neonates, maternal HS was associated with risk of preterm birth (RR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.07-1.53]) and birth defects (RR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.07-1.56]). In the long term, HS was associated with 2.29 times the risk of maternal hospitalization (95% CI, 2.07-2.55) and 1.31 times the risk of childhood hospitalization (95% CI, 1.18-1.45), including hospitalization for respiratory, metabolic, psychiatric, and immune-related morbidity over time. This cohort study found that HS is associated with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes in the peripartum period and in the long term. Early detection and management of HS may help mitigate these outcomes.
Reference:
Li K, Piguet V, Croitoru D, et al. Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Maternal and Offspring Outcomes. JAMA Dermatol. Published online October 16, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3584