Maternal hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been linked to higher risks during pregnancy, with both mothers and babies facing some serious complications, according to a recent study.
This study looked at data from over a million deliveries in Quebec, Canada, and discovered that mothers with HS are more likely to have problems like high blood pressure during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and other complications at delivery. Babies born to these mothers also face risks like preterm birth and birth defects. Even after birth, mothers with HS continue to experience higher rates of health issues, and their children may have concerns that last into childhood.
For those who don’t know, HS is a chronic skin condition that causes painful bumps and lesions, which can be not only physically painful but also mentally distressing. It primarily affects women, especially between the ages of 21 and 29. The pain and discomfort can disrupt daily life, and unfortunately, many people struggle to get diagnosed.
In the words of Kaiyang Li, a medical student involved in this research, “Hidradenitis suppurativa disproportionately affects persons of reproductive age, but the impact on maternal and offspring health is unclear. Few studies have examined the effect of HS on maternal and offspring outcomes.”
To fill this knowledge gap, researchers analyzed hospital records from Quebec from April 2006 to March 2022. They identified mothers with HS by checking their medical records and compared them to those without the condition.
The outcomes were measured in four main areas: complications during pregnancy, health issues for newborns, maternal health problems for up to 16 years after giving birth, and health outcomes for children up to 16 years old.
Out of more than 1.3 million deliveries, only about 1,332 mothers had HS. The study found that these mothers were often younger, more likely to have some other health issues already, and came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
When looking at the numbers, mothers with HS were found to have a significantly higher risk of developing pregnancy-related high blood pressure (55% more likely), gestational diabetes (61% more likely), and severe health issues during childbirth (38% more likely). They also had higher chances of needing a cesarean section and facing complications like severe bleeding after birth.
As for the babies, those born to mothers with HS were 28% more likely to be born prematurely and had a 29% higher risk of birth defects, especially concerning heart issues and orofacial clefts, which are conditions affecting the face and mouth.
Long-term, mothers with HS were around 2.29 times more likely to be hospitalized later in life, and their kids were also at greater risk of hospitalization for various health issues.
While these findings are crucial, researchers acknowledged some limitations. For instance, they couldn’t account for mild HS cases that didn’t result in hospitalization, and they noted that the observational nature of the study means they can’t prove that HS directly causes these complications.
“This study of 1.3 million deliveries shows that maternal HS is associated with increased risks during pregnancy and later health issues for both mothers and children,” the researchers concluded. They suggest that healthcare providers should keep a closer eye on pregnant patients with HS and monitor their children over time to help improve outcomes.
This study sheds light on the importance of understanding conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa, especially for those wanting to start a family. Sharing experiences and knowledge can help raise awareness, encourage early detection, and ultimately lead to better care for those affected.
References:
- Li K, Piguet V, Croitoru D, et al. "Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Maternal and Offspring Outcomes." JAMA Dermatol. Published online October 16, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3584
- Ballard K, Shuman VL. "Hidradenitis Suppurativa." StatPearls. May 6, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024.
