Consensus Guidelines for Histological and Clinical Reporting in HS

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The following is a summary of “Standardized Protocols for Clinical and Histopathological Characterization of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Tissue Specimens,” published in the January 2025 issue of Dermatology by Sampath et al. 

The absence of standardized protocols for the description and reporting of clinical and histological features of skin tissue samples from patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) impedes consistent data collection, documentation, and communication. This is essential for advancing translational research, even in light of a recent agreement on the morphology of HS lesions.  

A team of researchers carried out a retrospective analysis aimed at developing a standardized protocol for documenting the histopathological and clinical features of HS tissue samples.  

A study was conducted between May 2023 and August 2023, involving specialists in clinical care, dermatopathology, and translational research. In total, 27 experts took part, comprising 14 dermatologists, 3 fellowship-trained dermatopathologists, 3 plastic surgeons, 3 general surgeons, and 4 research scientists. The researchers employed a modified Delphi technique to create a protocol aimed at histologic reporting and clinical characterization of tissue samples from patients diagnosed with HS.   

The findings indicated that a total of 27 specialists were involved in the creation and assessment of protocols for the clinical and histopathological analysis of HS tissue samples. This cohort comprised 14 dermatologists (51.9%), 3 dermatopathologists with fellowship training (11.1%), 3 plastic surgeons (11.1%), 3 general surgeons (11.1%), and 4 research scientists (14.8%).  

Researchers determined that the structured protocols, delivered in the form of a summary report, would promote uniform classification of HS specimens in biobanks according to their histological characteristics. This would lead to improved accuracy in reporting and the selection of samples for translational research initiatives. 

You have been educated on information available until October 2023.