A retrospective review on minimally invasive technique via endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in the treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis: Experiences from the National Heart Institute, Malaysia.

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A retrospective review on minimally invasive technique via endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in the treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis: Experiences from the National Heart Institute, Malaysia.

F1000Res. 2018;7:670

Authors: Musa AF, Gandhi VP, Dillon J, Nordin RB

Abstract
Background: Hyperhidrosis is due to the hyperactive autonomic stimulation of the sweat glands in response to stress. Primary hyperhidrosis is a common yet psychologically disabling condition. This study will describe our experience in managing hyperhidrosis via endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). Methods: The information was obtained from the patient records from 1 st January 2011 until 31 st December 2016. Pertinent information was extracted and keyed into a study proforma. Results:  150 patients were operated on but only 118 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 22.9±7.3 years. The majority (54.2%) had palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis and 39.8% had associated axillary hyperhidrosis. Excision of the sympathetic nerve chain and ganglia were the main surgical technique with the majority (55.9%) at T2-T3 level. Mean ETS procedure time was 46.6±14.29 minutes with no conversion. Surgical complications were minimal and no Horner’s Syndrome reported. Mean hospital stay was 3.5±1.05 days. The majority of patients (67.8%) had only one follow-up and only half of the study sample (58.5%) complained mild to moderate degree of compensatory sweating, even though the long-term resolution is yet to be determined by another study. Following ETS, 98.3% of patients had instant relief and resolved their palmar hyperhidrosis. Predictors of CS were sympathectomy level and follow-up. The odds of reporting CS was 2.87 times in patients undergoing ETS at the T2-T3 level compared to those undergoing ETS at the T2-T4 level. The odds of reporting CS was 13.56 times in patients having more than one follow-up compared to those having only one follow-up. Conclusion: We conclude that ETS is a safe, effective and aesthetically remarkable procedure for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis  with only half of the patients developing mild to moderate degree of CS. Significant predictors of CS were sympathectomy level during ETS and frequency of follow-up after ETS.

PMID: 32724556 [PubMed]

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Two Injection Techniques of IncobotulinumtoxinA for Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Two Injection Techniques of IncobotulinumtoxinA for Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Jul 01;19(7):765-770

Authors: Trindade de Almeida AR, Noriega LF, Bechelli L, Suárez MV

Abstract
Background: Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is an effective treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) typically applied by multiple injection punctures. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of two BoNT-A injection techniques for AH. Methods: Randomized, evaluator-blinded trial, in which each axilla of the same patient received 50 U of incobotulinumtoxin A (IncoA; Xeomin), one injected intradermally using multiple punctures, the other subcutaneously by radial approach. Follow-up visits occurred after 30, 120, 180, and 270 days. Outcomes included procedure duration and pain, gravimetry and starch-iodine tests and safety. Results: Twenty-four patients with severe hyperhidrosis were included; 67% were female and mean age was 34.7 years. Radial injection was faster applied than multiple punctures (P<0.001) but showed higher pain scores (P=0.001). Pre- and post-treatment gravimetric measures showed that IncoA led to a significant sweat reduction, by both techniques, with 95% of responders (≥50% reduction from baseline) after 30 days of treatment. Similarly, Minor’s test showed an excellent response (90-100% reduction) by most patients regardless of the technique used, after 30 days and sustained for at least 270 days. At most time points, there were no significant differences between the two techniques; however, multiple punctures showed a higher reduction of gravimetric measures at days 30 and 180, and of Minor’s test at day 270. Treatment was well tolerated. Conclusions: IncoA is an effective and safe treatment for AH irrespective to the technique used for injection. Our study suggests that multiple punctures injection may confer better outcomes at some time points. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(7): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4989.

PMID: 32726556 [PubMed – in process]

Diagnosis and Management of Primary Hyperhidrosis: Practical Guidance and Current Therapy Update.

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Diagnosis and Management of Primary Hyperhidrosis: Practical Guidance and Current Therapy Update.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Jul 01;19(7):704-710

Authors: Gorelick J, Friedman A

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is a chronic medical condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond that which is necessary for thermoregulatory homeostasis. It is estimated to occur in 4.8% of the U.S. population (~15.3 million people) but is both underreported and underdiagnosed. With the busy practitioner and dermatology resident in mind, we provide here a disease state primer for hyperhidrosis, a top-line review of the breadth of literature underscoring the overall burden of the disease, a practical guide to differential diagnosis, and an update on current treatment approaches, including for the most common form of the condition, primary axillary hyperhidrosis. In addition, a case study is presented to provide a real-life perspective from the clinic on the importance of early and effective management strategies for those suffering with hyperhidrosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(7): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5162.

PMID: 32726555 [PubMed – in process]

[Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Palmar and Axillary Hyperhidrosis].

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[Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Palmar and Axillary Hyperhidrosis].

Zentralbl Chir. 2020 Jul 23;:

Authors: Rohleder S, Münsterer O, Gödeke J

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This video is a step-by-step description of thoracoscopic sympathectomy.
INDICATION: Sweating is essential for thermoregulation. Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excess sweating from the eccrine glands and is associated with severe suffering for patients of all ages. It often worsens during adolescence. A generalised and focal type of hyperhidrosis which affects mainly the face, armpits, hands and feet can be distinguished from the focal variant. Thoracic sympathectomy has become the standard treatment for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis worldwide.
METHODS: The procedure is performed in the supine position with the upper body elevated about 30° in an adolescent patient. Both arms are abducted at 90° and single tube endotracheal ventilation is employed. A 3 mm trocar is placed in the anterior axillary line for a 3 mm 30° optic. A 5 mm trocar placed on the anterior axillary line (or breast fold in female patients) of the 4th or 5th intercostal space is used for the bipolar forceps. The sympathetic trunk and ganglia T 2 - 4 are identified and coagulated over the heads of ribs.
CONCLUSION: The thoracoscopic approach to focal palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis allows clear identification of the sympathetic structures on each side. Under direct vision, selective ablation of the ganglia and sympathetic trunk provides long-term benefit for patients.

PMID: 32702765 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for the treatment of intolerable palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in children is associated with high recurrence rates.

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Thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for the treatment of intolerable palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in children is associated with high recurrence rates.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Jul 16;:

Authors: Verhaegh AJFP, Kuijpers M, Boon M, DeJongste MJL, Bouma W, Mariani MA, Klinkenberg TJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment of palmar and axillary primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) in children up to 16 years using thoracoscopic sympathicotomy is supported by scarce evidence. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the results of our standardized bilateral, one-stage, single-port sympathicotomy (BOSS) in children up to 16 years of age.
METHODS: Consecutive children (n = 14) up to 16 years of age undergoing BOSS between October 2011 and June 2015 in our institution were included in this retrospective study.
RESULTS: Recurrence of primary hyperhidrosis was noted in seven patients (50.0%), of whom five patients (35.7%) underwent reoperation. Reoperations were associated with placement of additional thoracoscopic ports (n = 1; 12.5%), intraoperative placement of pleural drains (n = 2; 25%), and prolonged air leak (n = 1; 12.5%). Despite the high recurrence and reoperation rates, overall patient satisfaction was high with a median satisfaction score of 7.5 (interquartile range of 1.75; range: 4-9).
CONCLUSION: Although the overall patient satisfaction score in our cohort was good, BOSS for the treatment of intolerable palmar and axillary PFH in children up to 16 years of age is associated with a high recurrence and reoperation rate.

PMID: 32677080 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQoL©): further validation and clinical application in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis using data from a phase III RCT

Summary

Background
The Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQoL©) is a validated patient‐reported outcome measure capturing the quality of life of people affected by hyperhidrosis. We aimed to extend the validity evidence to physician‐confirmed diagnosis of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

Methods
Data from a phase 3 randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial were used (n = 171). Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to confirm a priori two‐factor structure of the HidroQoL. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to evaluate test‐retest reliability after 4 to 7 days. Convergent validity was assessed using correlations with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and gravimetric sweat production. Known groups were analyzed to evaluate discriminative validity. Responsiveness after 29 days was assessed and minimal important difference (MID) values were calculated using both anchor‐ and distribution‐based approaches. All analyses were carried out for total HidroQoL and its two domains.

Results
The two‐factor structure of the HidroQoL could be confirmed. Internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were strong (Cronbach’s α: 0.81‐0.90; ICCs: 0.89‐0.93). Correlations with other outcome measures were in line with a priori hypotheses. The HidroQoL discriminated between different severity groups (p ≤ .001) and showed sensitivity to change towards improvement (p

Something to Sweat About: Two Cases of Dupilumab-Induced Hyperhidrosis and Bromhidrosis.

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Something to Sweat About: Two Cases of Dupilumab-Induced Hyperhidrosis and Bromhidrosis.

Allergy Rhinol (Providence). 2020 Jan-Dec;11:2152656720927703

Authors: Rowane M, Valencia R, Schend J, Jhaveri D, Hostoffer R

Abstract
Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD, eczema) is familial chronic inflammatory skin disease of complex etiology and increasing prevalence. Dupilumab is an IL-4 receptor subunit alpha (IL-4Rα) antagonist that is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved biological therapy for moderate-to-severe adult AD inadequately controlled with topical therapies. Adverse effects reported in the literature include injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, headache, and nasopharyngitis.
Objective: We report the first cases of hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis as side effects from dupilumab (Dupixent®) for the treatment of AD.
Case Reports: Case 1 is a 20-year-old woman with controlled allergic rhinitis and severe AD reported axillary hyperhidrosis with bromhidrosis, comparable to sweat from high-intensity exercise, with no relief from several different over-the-counter antiperspirants. Case 2 is a 61-year-old woman with history of chronic asthma, allergic contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and AD noticed markedly increased sweating with bromhidrosis that was reminiscent of her menopausal symptomology, about 3 months after initiating dupilimab.
Discussion: Traditional immunosuppressive agents and corticosteroids have limited efficacy, numerous side effects, and increased risk of infection. The safety profile and efficacy of the newly approved IL-4Rα antagonist dupilumab may be favorable to oral immunosuppressants, but its use remains limited to severe recalcitrant cases, due to financial implications and lack of long-term safety data and comparative head-to-head trials.
Conclusion: We report improved outcomes with dupilumab, in addition to unpublished cases of bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis in 2 patients with AD. This report of additional complications may inspire further clinical research and assist clinicians in considering the option of dupilumab for uncontrolled AD, despite aggressive traditional treatment.

PMID: 32489715 [PubMed]

Involvement of activin a receptor type 1 (ACVR1) in the pathogenesis of primary focal hyperhidrosis.

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Involvement of activin a receptor type 1 (ACVR1) in the pathogenesis of primary focal hyperhidrosis.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2020 May 27;:

Authors: Lin JB, Chen JF, Lai FC, Li X, Xie JB, Tu YR, Kang MQ

Abstract
The pathogenesis of primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is still not clear. PFH is thought to be a genetic disease. Whether activin A receptor type 1 (ACVR1) is involved in the pathogenesis of PFH is unknown. In this study, the expression of ACVR1 in sweat glands of patients with PAH was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. The primary sweat gland cells obtained from primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH) patients were transfected with acvr1 vector. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycling of gland cells were measured after transfection with acvr1 vector. The mRNA and protein expression of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and Na:K:2Cl Cotransporter 1 (NKCC1/SLC12A2) were detected. Our data showed that ACVR1 expression in axillary sweat gland tissue of PAH patients was significantly higher than that of normal control group. The function of ACVR1 was further investigated in the gland cells obtained from PAH patients. Compared with NC group, ACVR1 overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation of sweat gland cells and inhibited the apoptosis of sweat gland cells. Meanwhile, ACVR1 overexpression significantly reduced the percentage of cells in G0/G1 and G2/M phases, and increased the percentage of cells in S phase. In addition, ACVR1 overexpression significantly promoted the expression of AQP5 and NKCC1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Together, ACVR1 expression is related to PFH and ACVR1 overexpression can promote the proliferation of sweat gland cells and inhibit apoptosis by promoting the expression of AQP5 and NKCC1.

PMID: 32473755 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Long‐term results of the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin: follow‐up of 1,658 cases

Abstract

Background
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is characterized by exaggerated sweating in a specific region due to hyperfunction of the sweat glands. In the late 2000s, we started treating patients with an anticholinergic, oxybutynin, that was not being used until then.

Objectives
To present, after 12 years of utilizing this medication in our service, the substantial experience obtained with the use of oxybutynin as an initial treatment of HH in a large series of 1,658 patients.

Methods
We analyzed 1,658 patients treated with oxybutynin for HH from May 2006 to June 2018. The patients were divided into four groups according to the main site of HH: the plantar group, the axillary group, the facial group, and the palmar group. To measure the degree of satisfaction, a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire was used.

Results
Pre‐treatment QoL was poor or very poor in more than 94% of the cases, and the palmar group had the worst quality of life. After treatment, we observed an improvement in the quality of life in 77% of patients. More than 70% of the patients in all groups present moderate or optimal subjective clinical improvement in sweating after treatment. The group with the best result was the facial group. Intense dry mouth was reported in 24.9% of all patients in all groups.

Conclusions
This study included a large number of patients followed for a long period and demonstrated the good effectiveness of treatment with oxybutynin for hyperhidrosis in the main sites of sweating.