Correlation of Increased Total Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a typical formation of inflamed nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts usually in the axillary, inguinal, and anogenital region. We decided to investigate the possible association of hidradenitis suppurativa and total IgE elevation and to explore the patients’ characteristics which can be related to high IgE levels. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study which included 67 patients with moderate-to-severe stage of hidradenitis suppurativa followed up in our outpatient dermatology department. Total IgE, IgA, IgG, IgM, and CRP serum levels were measured. A personal and family history was taken. We asked them about allergic diseases and cigarette smoking and determined the basic parameters such as the weight and height of the patients. Results: Elevated total IgE levels were noticed in 21 patients (31.3%), of which 6 had a history of allergic disorder. Three of them had allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and the other three were suffering from atopic dermatitis. The mean total IgE level was 203.0 IU/ml with a maximum value of 1,954 IU/ml. Analysis of the factors, such as cigarette smoking, sex, elevated CRP, body mass index, and the number of affected areas, did not show an association with increased IgE levels. Conclusion: Our study showed a higher mean value of total IgE in patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa than in the general population. However, we did not confirm an association with any characteristics of the patients. Limitations of this work include a small number of patients and a lack of the control group, therefore further and more extensive studies are needed to support these results.