The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jan 30;:

Authors: Nawrocki S, Cha J

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is considered to be the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.

PMID: 30710603 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

The quality of life and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

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The quality of life and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Jan-Mar;13(1):16-22

Authors: Hajjar WM, Al-Nassar SA, Al-Sharif HM, Al-Olayet DM, Al-Otiebi WS, Al-Huqayl AA, Hajjar AW

Abstract
Background: Hyperhidrosis is a functional disorder identified by excessive sweating. Its incidence is approximately 1% in any population. Bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (BETS) intervention is the definitive treatment of choice for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after BETS surgery and the influence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) on patients’ QOL after surgery.
Settings and Design: This study is a cross-sectional study designed to generate longitudinal data.
Subjects and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study designed to generate longitudinal data pre- and postbilateral BETS prospectively. This study was conducted in the surgery department of University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hundred patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis who underwent BETS from 2014 to 2017 were included. A modified and validated QOL questionnaire for hyperhidrosis was completed by the patients themselves in order to compare the QOL for patients both before and after BETS. Patients’ satisfaction and the occurrence of CH were obtained postoperatively.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the SPSS® statistical package for social studies, version 22.0 (SPSS 22; IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA) for Windows®.
Results: A total of 100 patients completed the questionnaire; 94% of patients had a positive QOL outcome after the surgery. The mean decrease in QOL scores was -42.0 points toward better QOL. The site of sweating had a significant effect on the patients’ QOL before and after the surgery (P value < 0.001). Moreover, 76% of patients reported a high satisfaction rate.
Conclusion: Primary hyperhidrosis can negatively impair patients’ QOL in different domains. BETS showed to be an effective option for improving the QOL of patients and it provided both short- and long-term effectiveness in treating upper limb hyperhidrosis. CH did not interfere with the rate of patient satisfaction or their QOL postoperatively.

PMID: 30692883 [PubMed]

Effectiveness of bilateral clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain for the treatment of severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing.

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Effectiveness of bilateral clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain for the treatment of severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing.

Cir Esp. 2019 Jan 23;:

Authors: Fibla Alfara JJ, Molins López-Rodó L, Hernández Ferrández J, Guirao Montes Á

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Division of the thoracic sympathetic chain is the standard treatment for severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing. Clipping is an alternative option which allows the block to be reverted in cases of intolerable compensatory sweating.
METHODS: This is a prospective study performed to assess: a) results of clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain in patients with palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing; and b) to determine the improvement obtained after removal of the clip in patients with unbearable compensatory sweating. We included 299 patients (598 procedures) diagnosed with palmar hyperhidrosis (n=110), palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis (n=78), axillary hyperhidrosis (n=35), and facial flushing (n=76), who underwent videothoracoscopic clipping between 2007 and 2015.
RESULTS: 128 men and 171 women were treated, with mean age of 28 years. A total of 290 patients (97.0%) were discharged within 24hours. The procedure was effective in 92.3% (99.1% in palmar hyperhidrosis, 96,1% in palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis, 74.3% in axillary hyperhidrosis, and 86.8% in facial flushing). Nine patients (3%) presented minor complications. Compensatory sweating developed in 137 patients (45.8%): moderate in 113 (37.8%), severe in 16 (5.3%) and unbearable in 8 (2.7%). The clip was removed in these 8 patients; symptoms improved in 5 (62.8%), with sustained effect on hyperhidrosis in 4 of them.
CONCLUSIONS: Clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain is an effective and safe procedure. If incapacitating compensatory sweating develops, this technique allows the clips to be removed with reversion of symptoms in a considerable number of patients.

PMID: 30685056 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Changes in Palm Temperature as Predictor of Long-term Cure of Sympathicotomy for Palmar hyperhidrosis?

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Changes in Palm Temperature as Predictor of Long-term Cure of Sympathicotomy for Palmar hyperhidrosis?

J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2018 Oct 31;:

Authors: Liu G, Kang G, Huang J, Xie S, Hu H

Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  To investigate the long-term relationship between intraoperative temperature changes of the palm, treatment effects and compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH).
METHODS:  We retrospectively analyzed the data of 41 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent bilateral endoscopic sympathicotomy 3 to 6 years ago. Before and after the operation, changes in ipsilateral palm temperature were monitored and recorded to evaluate the curative effect of the sympathicotomy.
RESULTS:  All operations were performed successfully. Concerning cure, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with different maximum temperature (Tmax) values (p = 0.455). There was a very weak correlation between postoperative palm temperature (34.309 ± 1.377°C) (p = 0.049; correlation coefficient - 0.218). The T3 + T4 sympathicotomies had a higher Tmax (p = 0.000). The incidence and degree of CH had no relationship with Tmax in the left (p = 0.266 and p = 0.168, respectively) or the right hand (p = 0.640 and p = 0.824, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:  Temperature change has a relationship with surgery, but it cannot directly predict the long-term curative effect of a sympathicotomy or the occurrence of CH. Additional studies are required.

PMID: 30381813 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

CT-Guided Chemical Thoracic Sympathectomy versus Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

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CT-Guided Chemical Thoracic Sympathectomy versus Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2018 Sep 14;:

Authors: Yang H, Kang J, Zhang S, Peng K, Deng B, Cheng B

Abstract
BACKGROUND:  The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection versus thoracic sympathectomy for idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis.
METHODS:  Fifty-one patients with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with either BTX-A injection or thoracic sympathectomy between March 2013 and April 2016. The severity of palmar hyperhidrosis was qualitatively measured via the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). All patients completed a questionnaire that detailed the time taken for the treatment to work, local or systemic adverse effects, and pre- and post-treatment severity of hyperhidrosis. The efficacy and adverse effects of the two treatments were compared and analyzed.
RESULTS:  Hyperhidrosis-related quality of life improved quickly and significantly in the BTX-A group (26 patients) and the sympathectomy group (25 patients). Compared with pre-treatment, the HDSS score significantly reduced after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). All patients in the sympathectomy group had cessation of sweating of the hands after treatment, and this curative effect lasted for 12 months. In contrast, the treatment took more time to work in the BTX-A group, and the curative effect lasted for a much shorter period (3 months). The sympathectomy group had a significantly lesser mean HDSS score than the BTX-A group at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after treatment (p < 0.05). The sympathectomy group experienced more complications than the BTX-A group.
CONCLUSION:  For palmar hyperhidrosis, thoracic sympathectomy is more effective and has a longer lasting curative effect than BTX-A injection, but thoracic sympathectomy has more complications.

PMID: 30216949 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Hyperhidrosis: Management Options.

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Hyperhidrosis: Management Options.

Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jun 01;97(11):729-734

Authors: McConaghy JR, Fosselman D

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that affects patients’ quality of life, resulting in social and work impairment and emotional distress. Primary hyperhidrosis is bilaterally symmetric, focal, excessive sweating of the axillae, palms, soles, or craniofacial region not caused by other underlying conditions. Secondary hyperhidrosis may be focal or generalized, and is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication use. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale is a validated survey used to grade the tolerability of sweating and its impact on quality of life. The score can be used to guide treatment. Topical aluminum chloride solution is the initial treatment in most cases of primary focal hyperhidrosis. Topical glycopyrrolate is first-line treatment for craniofacial sweating. Botulinum toxin injection (onabotulinumtoxinA) is considered first- or second-line treatment for axillary, palmar, plantar, or craniofacial hyperhidrosis. Iontophoresis should be considered for treating hyperhidrosis of the palms and soles. Oral anticholinergics are useful adjuncts in severe cases of hyperhidrosis when other treatments fail. Local microwave therapy is a newer treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis. Local surgery and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy should be considered in severe cases of hyperhidrosis that have not responded to topical or medical therapies.

PMID: 30215934 [PubMed – in process]

Hyperhidrosis – Sweating Sites Matter: Quality of Life in Primary Hyperhidrosis according to the Sweating Sites Measured by SF-36.

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Hyperhidrosis – Sweating Sites Matter: Quality of Life in Primary Hyperhidrosis according to the Sweating Sites Measured by SF-36.

Dermatology. 2017;233(6):441-445

Authors: Shayesteh A, Janlert U, Nylander E

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis has negative impacts on quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the impacts of primary hyperhidrosis on quality of life are different depending on the localisation of the sweating.
METHOD: We compiled background data, Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) post hoc results from 2 previous studies. Cases who described only 1 site as their most problematic area of sweating were included (n = 160/188) while individuals with multifocal primary sites of hyperhidrosis were excluded (n = 28/188).
RESULTS: Individuals included were 11-62 years old with a mean age of 30.2 ± 10.4 years, and axillary hyperhidrosis (65.6%) was the most common type of hyperhidrosis. Comorbidities were more common when hyperhidrosis was reported in other than the axillary, palmar, and plantar regions. Excluding comorbidities showed the lowest SF-36 mental component summary scores for axillary (41.6 ± 11.6), palmar (40.0 ± 9.4), and plantar hyperhidrosis (41.1 ± 13.7). The HDSS showed the highest proportion of severe cases in axillary (60.6%) and palmar (51.5%) hyperhidrosis (p < 0.01) while mild cases were more often observed in plantar (60%), facial (83.3%), and other sites (85.7%) in primary hyperhidrosis (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that impairments in quality of life can be different depending on the manifestation of primary hyperhidrosis on the body. This can have an influence on how patients with hyperhidrosis could be prioritised in health care. Subgroup samples affected by facial hyperhidrosis and other sites of primary hyperhidrosis were however small, and more research is required to verify our findings.

PMID: 29502112 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Efficacy of Miniuniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Selective Sympathectomy (Ramicotomy) for the Treatment of Severe Palmar and Axillar Hyperhidrosis.

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Efficacy of Miniuniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Selective Sympathectomy (Ramicotomy) for the Treatment of Severe Palmar and Axillar Hyperhidrosis.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2018 May 08;:

Authors: Akil A, Semik M, Fischer S

Abstract
BACKGROUND:  Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) clipping of the sympathetic branch has become the standard approach for the treatment of essential hyperhidrosis when conservative treatment failed. However, this is associated with relevant potential complications such as postoperative compensatory sweating and recurrent sweating. We report the outcome after selective sympathectomy (ramicotomy) through a miniuniportal VATS approach in patients with therapy-refractory palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis.
METHODS:  A total of 51 consecutive patients (37 females, mean age: 30 years, range: 12-64 years) who suffered from therapy-refractory palmar and/or axillary severe hyperhidrosis were included. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bilateral miniuniportal VATS ramicotomy. Duration of surgery, hospital stay, recurrent, and compensatory sweating were documented.
RESULTS:  All patients had palmar sweating, where 51% had additional axillary sweating and 57% had additional plantar sweating. In all patients, selective division of the rami communicantes of the thoracic sympathetic ganglions Th2 to Th5 was performed. The mean duration of bilateral surgery for both sides was 67 ± 2.5 minutes. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2 ± 1 days. After surgery and at further follow-up (mean: 12 ± 2.5 months), all patients presented dry and warm hands and axillae, without any evidence of compensatory or recurrent sweating. All patients described a remarkable increase in quality of life.
CONCLUSION:  Miniuniportal VATS ramicotomy represents a feasible surgical technique with a very high success and satisfaction rate. Therefore, this approach should be considered as the method of choice for the treatment of patients with severe therapy-refractory palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 29739022 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Epidemiologic analysis of prevalence of the hyperhidrosis.

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Epidemiologic analysis of prevalence of the hyperhidrosis.

An Bras Dermatol. 2017 Sep-Oct;92(5):630-634

Authors: Estevan FA, Wolosker MB, Wolosker N, Puech-Leão P

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The present paper aims to study the prevalence of the various manifestations of hyperhidrosis in patients who sought treatment in a specialized ambulatory in the state of São Paulo.
OBJECTIVES: Opposite to previous studies, this paper studies the different combinations of sweating sites, not being restricted to the main complaint site of the patients, but taking into consideration secondary complaints patients may present.
METHODS: This was a retrospective approach of a database containing more than 1200 patients in which were mapped: combination of sweating sites, age of onset, age spectrum, mean age, body mass index and gender of patients. Patients were categorized into four groups based on their main sweating site – palmar, plantar, axillary and facial.
RESULTS: We concluded that hyperhidrosis appears frequently in more than one site, being the main complaint that affects the most patients palmar hyperhidrosis, which appears early in the patients during adolescence. When there are two sites of sweating, the most frequent combination is palmar + plantar, and when there are three sites of sweating the most frequent combinations are palmar + plantar + axillary and axillary + palmar + plantar.
STUDY LIMITATIONS: This research has casuistics limited to a single care service for patients with hyperhidrosis.
CONCLUSION: It is necessary to keep in mind that the disease manifests itself mainly in more than one location, with different intensities in each of the patients, generating a significant impairment of their quality of life.

PMID: 29166497 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of pediatric hyperhidrosis.

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Tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of pediatric hyperhidrosis.

J Pediatr Surg. 2017 Feb;52(2):309-312

Authors: Dagash H, McCaffrey S, Mellor K, Roycroft A, Helbling I

Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: The treatment options for localized hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, anticholinergics, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin and surgery. Tap water iontophoresis (TWI) involves immersing the affected area in tap water and passing a small electrical current through the area. Our aim was to assess the success of this therapy in a pediatric cohort.
METHODS: Retrospective case note review of all patients younger than 18years who underwent TWI between 2002 and 2015. Demographic data, number of treatment sessions, side effects and overall success were analyzed. Individuals undergo 7 treatments over 4weeks. A positive outcome was determined as an improvement in symptoms. Pre- and posttreatment hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS) was measured. Data are presented as mean (range). Statistical analysis was by paired t-test. A P value of <0.05 was regarded as significant.
RESULTS: There were 43 patients (30 females) with a mean age of 15 (8-17) years. Palmar and/or plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) was present in 39/43 (91%) patients. Axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) was present in 19/43 (44%) patients. All patients (with the exception of one) underwent 7 sessions (5-7). Side effects included paresthesia (88%), pruritus (26%), pain (26%), erythema (14%), dryness (12%) as well as vesicle formation and abrasions in one patient (2%). A positive outcome was found in 84% (36/43) of patients. There was a significant reduction in mean HDSS (pre 3.5 vs. post 2; P=0.0001).
CONCLUSION: TWI is a safe and effective modality of treatment for both PPH and AH in the pediatric population, with minimal side effects. Pediatric surgeons should offer this treatment option before considering more invasive surgical procedures.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV: Retrospective study.

PMID: 27912978 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]