Intravenous Ertapenem Shows Improvement in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The treatment was linked with a number of improved outcome measures.

Results from a new analysis indicated that intravenous ertapenem was associated with improvements in markers of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and was linked with increased patient satisfaction.

The retrospective analysis included medical records of 98 patients with HS who received treatment with intravenous ertapenem between 2018 and 2022. Patients self-administered 1g of ertapenem at home through a peripheral intravenous central catheter using an elastomeric pump for a period of 12 to 16 weeks, alongside maintaining prior antiandrogens and immunomodulatory biologic therapies. Primary outcomes included clinical severity measured by HS Physician Global Assessment scores and pain levels, as well as assessments of pain, inflammatory markers, and bacterial abundance at various points throughout treatment and follow-up. Patient satisfaction was assessed through a telephone survey post-therapy.

Patient demographics showed a diverse racial distribution, with the majority being female. The mean treatment duration was 13.1 weeks, with a mean follow-up period of 7.8 weeks post-therapy.

The study results showed significant improvements across multiple parameters. From baseline to post-therapy follow-up, there were notable reductions in HS Physician Global Assessment scores, pain levels, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and leukocytes. The telephone survey revealed high levels of satisfaction among participants, with 80.3% reporting medium to high satisfaction and 90.8% expressing willingness to recommend ertapenem to other patients.

"In this retrospective review of medical records and telephone survey, treating HS with intravenous ertapenem, administered for a mean of 13 weeks, was associated with improvement in clinical and inflammatory markers, as well as heightened patient satisfaction," the study authors wrote. "Nonetheless, this approach should be monitored for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance given a longer than standard treatment course."

Source: Nosrati A, Ch’en PY, Torpey ME, et al. Efficacy and Durability of Intravenous Ertapenem Therapy for Recalcitrant Hidradenitis Suppurativa. JAMA Dermatology. Published online February 14, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.6201