Adalimumab as Therapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: a Systematic Review

Abstract Background Adalimumab (ADA) is a monoclonal antibody that is widely used as a biologic therapy for immune diseases, one of which is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). To date, evidence-based therapeutic approaches have not been commonly used for standard of care and this is likely due to the lack of related research and the diverse therapeutic options. ADA biologic therapy shows satisfactory results and is approved by the FDA for moderate to severe HS in adult patients. Purpose: To provide an overview of the current evidence regarding the treatment of HS with ADA. Methods A literature search related to Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) was performed on the PubMed, Scopus, and EbscoHost databases with an ADA focus on HS treatment to achieve HiSCR. Full text analysis of 8 RCT studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and used a critically reviewed questionnaire from the CEBM University of Oxford. Result In this systematic review we obtained 8 RCTs for evaluation. The results showed that the prevalence of HiSCR after exposure to high doses of ADA, this statement was supported by 4 studies of RR > 1, meaning that the addition of ADA gave patients more opportunities to achieve HiSCR. Another finding was a decrease in Sartorius scores and DLQI after ADA treatment. ADA can reduce depressive symptoms and increase pain, this statement is supported by two studies using the PHQ and PGA-SP scores. Conclusion ADA has good efficacy against HS, as evidenced by the high prevalence of HiSCR and quality of life of patients.