Need for real-world data studies on hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa treatment

Publication of real world data on the results of treatment with (approved) drugs is important to allow for a reasonable judgement about the efficacy of a medication, especially since due to the nature of controlled clinical studies certain patient groups, who in daily clinical routine would best benefit from such new treatments, are excluded from study inclusions. In the present review, real-world data on the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are summarized. It appears that adalimumab, as the only approved biological treatment so far, represents a cost-efficient and effective therapy. Patient education is important to increase treatment adherence and efficacy. The baseline IHS4 score has proven to be a meaningful predictor for recurrences during adalimumab therapy. Additional publications on real-world data including high numbers of patients with different risk factors are required to meaningly evaluate the evolving therapeutic spectrum of treatment options for HS in clinical practice.