Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Studies

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this narrative literature review was to evaluate the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) as adjunctive therapy in adults with moderate-to-severe Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The clinical question explored whether GLP-1 RAs improve disease severity, flare frequency, quality of life, and metabolic outcomes in patients with obesity or metabolic dysfunction.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Christopher Center Library, NIH resources, Research Rabbit, and JAMA Dermatology. Studies published from 2019 to 2025 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included adults with clinically confirmed moderate-to-severe HS (Hurley stage II–III), measurable baseline disease severity, treatment duration of at least six months, and reported clinical or patient-centered outcomes. Exclusion criteria included prior GLP-1 RA use, uncontrolled comorbidities, recent surgical intervention, or new systemic HS therapies. Evidence included systematic reviews, retrospective cohorts, case series, and case reports.

Results: Five relevant articles were analyzed. GLP-1 RAs demonstrated improvements in disease severity, flare frequency, pain, suppuration, and quality of life measured by Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. Significant reductions in body weight and BMI were observed. Cohort studies showed improved HS-Physician Global Assessment scores by ~1 point.

Conclusion: Current evidence suggests GLP-1 RAs may be beneficial adjunctive therapy in HS, particularly in patients with obesity and metabolic dysfunction. However, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, observational designs, and lack of randomized controlled trials. Larger studies are needed to establish efficacy and long-term utility.

Keywords: hidradenitis suppurativa; GLP-1 receptor agonists; semaglutide; liraglutide; obesity; inflammation; quality of life

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Lindsey Roos has an anticipated graduation date of July 2026 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. Her favorite rotation was Internal Medicine because of the medical complexity and collaboration with other healthcare providers. She plans on working in internal medicine or dermatology after graduation. Her favorite memory from rotations this past year was assisting in shave and punch biopsies during her clinical dermatology rotation. Lindsey was inspired to research the topic of “Beyond Weight Loss: Evaluating the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Hidradenitis Suppurativa” because of her special interest in chronic skin conditions and the secondary health benefits of GLP-1 agonists.

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