Standardized Protocols for Clinical and Histopathological Characterization of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Tissue Specimens

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.02.041
• Publication Date: 2024-06-18T16:08:02Z
• Authors: Ashwath Jonathan ...; Linnea L. Westerkam; Franklin R. Blum; Raed Alhusayen; Falk G. Bechara; Julie Caffrey; Carmelo Carmona-R...; Nisha Suyien Chan...; Ralph George; Stephanie R. Gold...; Johann E. Gudjonsson; Scott L. Hansen; John R. Ingram; Brian Kirby; Angelo Valerio Ma...; Łukasz Matusiak; Dennis P. Orgill; Errol Prens; Hessel H. van der...; Kelsey R. van Str...; Christos C. Zoubo...; Angel S. Byrd; John W. Frew; Michelle Anne Lowes; Haley B. Naik; Olayemi Sokumbi; Qing-Sheng Mi; Jayson R. Miedema; Paul B. Googe; Christopher J. Sayed
• Keywords: Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Methods for describing and reporting the clinical and histological characteristics of cutaneous tissue samples from patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are not currently standardized, limiting clinicians' and scientists' ability to uniformly record, report, and communicate about the characteristics of tissue used in translational experiments. A recently published consensus statement outlined morphological definitions of typical HS lesions, but no consensus has been reached regarding clinical characterization and examination of HS tissue samples. Here we aimed to establish a protocol for reporting histopathologic and clinical characteristics of HS tissue specimens. This study was conducted from May 2023 to August 2023. Experts in clinical care, dermatopathology, and translational research were recruited, and a modified Delphi technique was used to develop a protocol for histologic reporting and clinical characterization of submitted tissue specimens from HS patients. A total of 27 experts participated (14 dermatologists, 3 fellowship-trained dermatopathologists, 3 plastic surgeons, 3 general surgeons, and 4 research scientists) in creating and reviewing protocols for the clinical and histopathological examination of HS tissue specimens. The protocols were formatted as a synoptic report and will help consistently classify specimens in biobanks based on histological features and more accurately report and select samples used in translational research projects.