Human papillomavirus infection is associated with increased risk of new-onset hidradenitis suppurativa: a population-based cohort study.

Abstract

Background: The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains unclear, though emerging research suggests a link between infectious agents and inflammatory skin diseases. The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HS development, however, has not been studied.

Objective: To evaluate the risk of incident HS in HPV infection patients.

Methods: Using the TriNetX research network, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HPV and matched controls. Propensity score matching adjusted for variables like age, sex, race, BMI, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors. The primary outcome was new-onset HS, analyzed across demographic and clinical factors. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to assess risk.

Results: After matching, both the HPV and control cohorts included 582,007 patients. HPV-infected individuals had a significantly higher risk of developing HS (HR: 1.356, 95% CI: 1.290-1.427). This increased risk was consistent across various demographic and clinical groups. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.

Limitations: Retrospective cohort design.

Conclusions: HPV infection is linked to a higher risk of HS, suggesting a potential association. Further research is required to validate these results and assess their impact in different populations and clinical settings but could also elucidate a potential impact of other infections involved in the pathogenesis of HS.