PRO-C22 - A Novel Serological Biomarker of Tissue Damage Is Associated with Disease Severity, Disease Activity, and Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The study developed and validated a novel biomarker, PRO-C22, derived from type XXII collagen, to assess tissue damage in 430 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). PRO-C22 levels were significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe disease (Hurley stage II and III) compared to those with mild disease (Hurley stage I). The biomarker showed weak correlations with disease activity (HSS, ESR, NLR) and a moderate correlation with systemic inflammation (CRP). This suggests that PRO-C22 could be useful for early diagnosis, monitoring disease severity, and evaluating treatment responses in HS patients.