Systematic review shows regional differences in HS comorbidity prevalence across North America, Europe, and Asia.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa-associated comorbidities in adult and pediatric patients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East/Asia. The study synthesizes data on conditions including diabetes, hypertension, depression, thyroid disorders, smoking, anxiety, and pediatric-specific outcomes. The authors note that absolute numbers and confidence intervals were not reported for the pooled estimates.

The analysis indicates that diabetes carries higher odds in North America compared to Europe with an odds ratio of 1.92. Hypertension shows higher odds in North America compared to the Middle East/Asia with an odds ratio of 2.99. Depression is more common in North America compared to the Middle East/Asia with an odds ratio of 3.46, and also more common in Europe compared to the Middle East/Asia with an odds ratio of 3.19.

Thyroid disorders are more common in North America compared to the Middle East/Asia with an odds ratio of 2.32, and more common in Europe compared to the Middle East/Asia with an odds ratio of 4.01. Smoking is more prevalent in Europe compared to North America with an odds ratio of 0.28, and more prevalent in Europe compared to the Middle East/Asia with an odds ratio of 2.26. In pediatric patients, anxiety is more common in North America with an odds ratio of 0.05, depression is more common in North America with an odds ratio of 0.16, and smoking is more frequent outside North America with an odds ratio of 12.67.

The authors suggest that recognizing these regional patterns may support earlier identification, guide preventive efforts, and inform individualized management strategies in HS. They caution that regional variation in comorbidity prevalence likely reflects differences in lifestyle, diet, sociocultural norms, healthcare literacy, and access to care. Associations are reported without inferring causation between regional differences and comorbidity prevalence.