A core domain set for hidradenitis suppurativa trial outcomes: an international Delphi process

Abstract

There is no consensus on core outcome domains for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Heterogeneous outcome measure instruments in clinical trials likely leads to outcome-reporting bias and limits the ability to synthesize evidence. To achieve global multistakeholder consensus on a core outcome set (COS) of domains regarding what to measure in clinical trials for HS. Six stakeholder groups participated in a Delphi process that included five anonymous e-Delphi rounds and four face-to-face consensus meetings to reach consensus on the final COS. The aim was for a 1 : 1 ratio of patients to healthcare professionals (HCPs). A total of 41 patients and 52 HCPs from 19 countries in four continents participated in the consensus process, which yielded a final COS that included five domains: pain, physical signs, HS-specific quality of life, global assessment and progression of course. A sixth domain, symptoms, was highly supported by patients and not by HCPs but is recommended for the core domain set. Routine adoption of the COS in future HS trials should ensure that core outcomes of importance to both patients and HCPs are collected.