Impact of LAight therapy on hidradenitis suppurativa care

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with high burden for patients and limited treatment options. We recently analyzed the efficacy of local treatment with LAight therapy, a combination of intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF). Objectives The aim of the present survey was to compare care of HS patients under LAight with standard care prior to therapy. Materials and methods The retrospective study included 111 patients who were treated with LAight at least 5 times between 01/2014 and 03/2017. Primary endpoint was the change in surgical interventions. Secondary endpoints included additional patient-reported outcomes, e.g., effects on their quality of life. Results In all, 50 completed surveys were available for evaluation. Under LAight therapy, the number of surgical interventions decreased from 3.2 to 0.3 per year (p < 0.001). Secondary endpoints were also significantly improved: The days of sick leave/year due to HS decreased from 30.4 to 7.2 (p = 0.002), and the number of doctor appointments due to HS flare ups was altered from 7.3 to 1.5 (p < 0.001). In line, patient-reported pain levels, general wellbeing and quality of life were also improved. Conclusion This retrospective assessment of patient-reported treatment outcomes of 50 HS cases after treatment with LAight revealed a significant reduction of required surgical interventions and sick-days along with improved quality of life. Thus, it appears that IPL + RF treatment not only improves disease activity, but also secondary care aspects. Future studies will need to confirm these findings in a controlled setting