Researchers have developed a new composite, dynamic disease severity score tailored for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) called the Acne Inversa Severity Index (AISI), authors reported in Wounds.
The AISI scale includes a physician-rated assessment of the types of lesions appearing as well as what body sites are involved. A zero to 10 visual analogue scale (illness-VAS) is also included to assess pain, discomfort, and disability arising from HS.
To assess the validity of the new scale, it was compared to Hurley staging classification, modified Sartorius score, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). In 46 patients with HS, the authors demonstrated a significant correlation between AISI and Hurley staging (r: 0.70856, p=0.0021), modified Sartorius score (r: 0.9730, p<0.00001), and DLQI (r: 0.8257, p=0.221). In the new scale, HS may be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe (AISI <10, 10>18, or >18, respectively). The authors also reported that the AISI was faster to administer than the Sartorius score.