PhD defence K.R. (Kelsey) van Straalen

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease clinically characterised by painful, inflammatory nodules and abscesses, and sinus tract formation. The characteristic lesions are often situated in the axillae and inframammary, inguinal, and gluteal regions, but can affect other atypical locations. The first HS symptoms often present after puberty.  The estimated prevalence of HS varies between 0.1-4.1%. Risk factors for HS include a family history of HS, female gender, overweight, and smoking. The skin-related pain, malodorous drainage from inflammatory tunnels, the unpredictability of the disease, the intimate areas affected, and the shame and stigma surrounding HS have a profound impact on patients quality of life. Hidradenitis Suppurativa is associated with other immune mediated inflammatory diseases; such as inflammatory bowel disease and spondyloarthritis. In addition, HS has been described as part of several auto-inflammatory syndromes such as PASH ,PAPASH, and FMF. This thesis aims to address some of the longer standing questions regarding genetic and environmental factors, provide new insights in the pathophysiology of HS and its relation with other comorbidities, and offers an overview of current and future treatments.

Due to corona, the PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall of the Professor Andries Querido Room. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.