Hidradenitis suppurativa as a potential risk factor of periodontitis: a multi-center, propensity-score-matched cohort study.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with systemic symptoms. Periodontitis, a prevalent dental disease, shares immune-mediated inflammatory characteristics with HS. This cohort study aims to evaluate the association between HS and periodontitis. Methods: Using the TriNetX research network, a global-federated database of electronic health records, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. People being diagnosed of HS were identified and propensity score matching was performed to identify proper control group, via balancing critical covariates Within the follow-up time of 1 year, 3 year and 5 years, hazard ratios were calculated to assess the risk of periodontitis in HS patients compared to controls. Results: Within the 53,968 HS patients and the same number of matched controls, the HS patients exhibited a significantly increased risk of developing periodontitis compared to controls after 3 years of follow-up (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.44) and 5 years of follow-up (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.24) of follow-up. Sensitivity analyses supported these findings under various matching models and washout periods. While comparing with patients with psoriasis, the association between HS and periodontitis remained significant (HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.44). Conclusion: The observed increased risk suggests the need for heightened awareness and potential interdisciplinary care for individuals with HS to address periodontal health.

Risk of Keratitis and Keratopathy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: A Global Federated Health Network Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is linked to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. While previous studies indicate a higher prevalence of ocular manifestations in HS, the specific risk of keratopathy and keratitis remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk of keratitis and keratopathy in individuals with HS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study conducted with data from the TriNetX database, 53,716 patients with HS were matched to an equivalent number of non-HS controls using propensity score matching. The study covered the period from January 1st, 2005, to December 31st, 2017. Hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were computed to evaluate the occurrences of keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year duration in patients with HS, compared to non-HS controls. RESULTS: HS was associated with a 1.52 times higher risk of keratitis over a 5-year period (95%CI=1.24-1.86) and a 1.47 times higher risk of keratopathy (95%CI=1.18-1.84). These risks remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. The elevated risk of keratitis was observed across both sexes. However, the risk of keratopathy was significantly higher in women with HS (HR=1.61, 95%CI=1.24-2.10) and individuals aged 18-64 years (HR=1.32, 95%CI=1.04-1.68). CONCLUSION: HS was linked to an elevated risk of both keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year period. Ophthalmologic manifestations are recommended to be considered in HS standard care.

Honey in Alleviating Severe Oral Mucositis Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Aiming to resolve debates on honey's efficacy for radiotherapy-induced severe oral mucositis in head and neck cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis focused on randomized trials, primarily assessing severe mucositis incidence. Secondary outcomes included weight loss, pain management, and honey types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, WOS, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2023. The analysis concentrated on randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of honey, targeting the incidence of mucositis as the main outcome. Additional outcomes explored were weight loss, intolerable pain, and the specific types of honey used in interventions. Data analysis was performed using CMA software, and a funnel plot was employed to identify publication bias. RESULTS: The analysis of 176 records resulted in the inclusion of 10 studies with 599 patients receiving radiotherapy. The research showed that honey significantly reduced the occurrence of grade 3-4 mucositis (severe mucositis), provided significant pain relief, and had a positive effect on reducing weight loss. Regarding the type of honey used, no significant differences were found in their effectiveness in alleviating severe mucositis. CONCLUSION: Honey serves as an effective intervention for individuals with oral mucositis. It can be considered as an adjuvant in the management of clinical radiotherapy-associated oral mucositis, particularly for patients requiring prolonged use of anti-analgesic or antifungal medications.