Thoracoscopic sympathotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: How young is too young?

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Thoracoscopic sympathotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: How young is too young?

J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Dec 11;:

Authors: Vasconcelos-Castro S, Soares-Oliveira M, Tuna T, Borges-Dias M

Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Primary hyperhidrosis affects 1%-3% of the general population, with increased incidence in teenagers, having an important impact in the quality of life. This study evaluates the efficacy and patients’ satisfaction after bilateral thoracoscopic sympathotomy.
METHODS: Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with palmar primary hyperhidrosis that underwent bilateral thoracoscopic sympathotomy over the last eight years. The procedure was performed with 2 ports and simple transection of the sympathetic chain. Pre and postoperative sweating severity was evaluated by telephone interview, using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS).
RESULTS: 23 patients (19 girls; 15.5 [11-19] years-old) underwent bilateral thoracoscopic sympathotomy. All complained of palmar hyperhidrosis, which resolved in all cases. Compensatory sweating occurred in 47.8% of patients. 21 patients answered the telephone interview: all of them would recommend the surgery to others. Sweating severity improved in all patients, with a mean decrease of 1.95 values of the HDSS from preoperative to postoperative evaluation (p < 0.05). There was neither morbidity nor mortality.
CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral thoracoscopic sympathotomy is a safe and effective treatment for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Being the first report on pediatric application of HDSS, we conclude that children are very satisfied with the final outcome.
TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID: 31870560 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

C-Arm Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thoracic Sympathectomy for Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis in Comparison with Local Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection, Randomized Trial.

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C-Arm Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thoracic Sympathectomy for Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis in Comparison with Local Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection, Randomized Trial.

Pain Physician. 2019 Nov;22(6):591-599

Authors: Mostafa TAH, Hamed AA, Mohammed BM, El Sheikh NA, Shama AAA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is a disorder associated with detrimental effects on patients’ quality of life, occupational activities, and social interactions.
OBJECTIVES: This study compares C-arm guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglions and local intradermal botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis. It focuses on clinical effectiveness, patient satisfaction, quality of life, safety, and the time at which repetition of the procedure is needed over one-year follow-up.
STUDY DESIGN: This is a randomized single-blinded trial.
SETTING: This study took place in a single hospital.
METHODS: Eighty patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis were randomly assigned to one of 2 interventions: local intradermal BTX-A injection (n = 40) or C-arm guided percutaneous RF ablation (n = 40). The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire and the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) were used for assessment at one week, one month, and 2, 6, and 12 months after intervention. The number of patients who required repetition of the procedure later on and the time at which they needed it were recorded, and possible side effects were assessed.
RESULTS: HDSS scores in the RF group were statistically significantly lower than in the BTX-A group at one week, one month, and 2, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. DLQI scores in the RF group were statistically significantly lower than in the BTX-A group at 6- and 12-month follow-up, whereas at one week, one month, and 2 months of follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. The number of patients who required that the procedure be repeated was statistically significantly lower in the RF group than in the BTX-A group. The time at which patients needed repetition of the procedure in the BTX-A group was about 3 to 7 months after the first intervention. All patients in this group showed an increase in HDSS scores within this one-year follow-up. In the RF group, however, only one patient complained of increased HDSS scores after 8 months. There was no statistically significant difference in side effects between both groups.
LIMITATIONS: The first limitation of this study is that results were based on subjective scales. The second is the radiation exposure associated with the technique described.
CONCLUSIONS: This study supports percutaneous C-arm guided RF ablation of the second and third thoracic sympathetic ganglions and local intradermal BTX-A injection as safe, effective options and rapid lines of treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis. However, percutaneous RF ablation proved to be more effective, with longer effectiveness time and better patient satisfaction, compared to local intradermal BTX-A injection.
KEY WORDS: Botulinum toxin, hyperhidrosis, quality, radiofrequency ablation.

PMID: 31775406 [PubMed – in process]

Management Strategies Of Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Challenges And Solutions.

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Management Strategies Of Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Challenges And Solutions.

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:733-744

Authors: Gregoriou S, Sidiropoulou P, Kontochristopoulos G, Rigopoulos D

Abstract
Palmar hyperhidrosis is a potentially disabling condition for which management remains a therapeutic challenge. Given the significant impact on quality of life, various treatment options are available, ranging from topical agents and medical devices to systemic therapies and surgical interventions. Nonsurgical approaches, i.e. topical antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis, and systemic agents, are all supported by the current literature. Patients with mild-to-moderate disease can often benefit from topical therapies only. As disease severity progresses, systemic oral medication, such as anticholinergic drugs, usually becomes necessary. Last-line surgical approaches (sympathetic denervation) should be reserved for severe refractory cases. Recently, therapeutic strategies have been evolving with several new agents emerging as promising alternatives in clinical trials. In practice, however, each modality comes with its own benefits and risks. An individual therapeutic ladder is generally recommended, taking into account disease severity, benefit-to-risk profile, treatment cost, patient preference, and clinician expertise. This review will provide an update on current and emerging concepts of management for excessive hand sweating to help clinicians optimize therapeutic decision-making.

PMID: 31632121 [PubMed]

[Surgical treatment of primary hyperhidrosis and post-surgical satisfaction. Our 5-year experience].

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[Surgical treatment of primary hyperhidrosis and post-surgical satisfaction. Our 5-year experience].

Cir Pediatr. 2019 Oct 01;32(4):177-180

Authors: Esteva Miró C, Núñez García B, Brun Lozano N, Pérez Gaspar M, Álvarez García N, Betancourth Alvarenga JE, Santiago Martínez S, Jiménez Gómez J

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a pathology that begins during childhood and can represent a significant reduction in the quality of life of adolescents. The current treatment of choice is thoracoscopic sympathicolysis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the results of surgery in paediatric patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with primary palmar or palmo-axillary hyperhidrosis who underwent thoracoscopic sympathicolysis in our hospital during the last 5 years.
RESULTS: We operated and included in the study 28 patients, 10 men and 18 women. Mean age was 13.8 (8-18) years. Bilateral thoracoscopic sympatholysis was performed with monopolar cautery, between T2-T4 ribs. Mean operative time was 63 minutes and mean hospitalisation time was 1.1 days. The incidence on intraoperative complications was zero. 2 patients presented postoperative subcutaneous emphysema. There were no other postoperative complications. 1 patient presented partial recurrence. In all the rest, sweating completely disappeared and they were totally satisfied with the surgery (96.42%). Temporary compensatory sweating appeared in 57.14% of the cases, a collateral effect that did not change their level of satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS: Palmar hyperhidrosis can be a major problem for socialization and quality of life for the child or adolescent who suffers it. Thoracoscopic sympatholysis in the pediatric patient is an effective treatment, highly resolutive and with low morbidity. Despite compensatory sweating, patients are highly satisfied with the results of surgical treatment.

PMID: 31626401 [PubMed – in process]

T3 versus T4 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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T3 versus T4 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Oct;98(42):e17272

Authors: Chen S, Zhang P, Chai T, Shen Z, Kang M, Lin J

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is a common sympathetic disorder that reduces patient’ quality of life. Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VTS) is a popular and effective treatment for PH. However, there is substantial controversy about the treatment of PH with VTS at the T3 or T4 level. We will compare the quality metrics of VTS at T3 versus T4 to determine the optimal level for VTS.
METHODS: We will search PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cancerlit, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Google Scholar databases for relevant clinical trials published in any language before March 31, 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, propensity score-matched comparative studies, and prospective cohort studies of interest, published or unpublished, that meet the inclusion criteria will be included. Subgroup analysis of the type of operation, sex of patient, and ethnicity of patient will be performed.
RESULTS: The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the development of optimal treatment strategies for patients with PH. Owing to the characteristics of disease and intervention methods, randomized controlled trials may not be sufficient. We will include high-quality nonrandomized controlled trials, but this may lead to high heterogeneity and may affect the reliability of the results.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018116607.

PMID: 31626085 [PubMed – in process]

Development of botulinum toxin A-coated microneedle for treating palmar hyperhidrosis.

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Development of botulinum toxin A-coated microneedle for treating palmar hyperhidrosis.

Mol Pharm. 2019 Oct 15;:

Authors: Shim DH, Nguyen TT, Park PG, Kim MJ, Park BW, Jeong HR, Kim DS, Joo HW, Choi SO, Park JH, Lee JM

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that produces excess amount of sweat. The botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) has been used to treat hyperhidrosis through multiple intradermal injections at the site of condition. However, due to its toxicity, it is important to precisely deliver the proper dose of toxin to the target site. In addition, the use of conventional hyperdermic needle for multiple injections in the palm makes the approach undesirable and painful. Here, we designed a BoNT/A-coated microneedle (BoNT-MN) array and tested its efficacy as a substitute pain-free method to treat hyperhidrosis. BoNT-MNs were prepared by coating BoNT/A formulation on poly-lactic acid microneedles and were found to successfully penetrate in vitro thick skin. The coating formulations were then tested for its stability at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C for 24 h. BoNT-MNs were found to be much more stable than its liquid state. Additionally, we carried out in vivo experiments by treating the right paw of mice with BoNT-MNs and found that the treatment induced a significant reduction of sweating response in the mouse’s foot pads. Thus, BoNT/A treatment with microneedles is beneficial and may be used as a more efficient and less painful approach to treat hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 31613636 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Is there any relationship between quality of life and the level of sympathectomy in primary palmar hyperhidrosis? Single-center experience.

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Is there any relationship between quality of life and the level of sympathectomy in primary palmar hyperhidrosis? Single-center experience.

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Sep 21;:

Authors: Dogru MV, Sezen CB, Girgin O, Cansever L, Kocaturk CI, Metin M, Dincer SI

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The discussions at the surgical levels (sympathectomy levels) about endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) method, which is applied in hyperhidrosis treatment in the present day and acknowledged as the golden treatment method, continue. Mainly, most of the studies evaluates postoperative early period results. Our aim in this study is to compare the long-term quality of life depending on the different surgical levels (sympathectomy levels) and evaluate the postoperative complications.
METHODS: 165 patients operated due to palmar hyperhidrosis between January 2012 and July 2017 were evaluated. Sympathectomy was performed either by clipping or cauterization and sympathetic nerves included were T2-4, T3-4, or T3 levels. Data were retrospectively reviewed for complications, factors affecting the postoperative quality of life.
RESULTS: Ninety of the patients were male (54.5%) and 75 (45.5%) were female. The level of ganglion block was T2-T4 in 62 patients (37.6%), T3-T4 in 46 patients (27.9%), and T3 in 57 patients (34.5%). Early complications were observed in 27 patients (16.4%). Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) was observed in 62 patients (37.6%). There was a significant difference in the postoperative quality of life according to ETS level (p < 0.001). Patients who underwent T2-T4 sympathectomy had a lower quality of life than patients who underwent isolated T3 or T3-T4 sympathectomy.
CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we recommend performing lower level resections to increase the long-term quality of life in palmar hyperhidrosis patients. The lower risk of CH and comparable quality of life suggest that T3 sympathectomy is more effective.

PMID: 31542862 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Video-Assisted Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathotomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

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Video-Assisted Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathotomy for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

World Neurosurg. 2019 Sep 13;:

Authors: ReFaey K, Grewal SS, Segura-Duran I, Thomas M, Wharen RE

Abstract
In this video, we demonstrate a case of a 21-year-old right-handed male who presented with palmar hyperhidrosis. His symptoms started at the age of 4 and progressively worsened throughout his life. Multiple medical treatments were used without significant benefit. His symptoms worsened to the limit that it affected his work, and lifestyle. The patient was taken to the operating room in a supine position with both arms abducted 90 degrees. The right and left chest were prepped and draped in a sterile fashion. The skin incision was done on the left side first, the left lung was isolated and two 5 mm thoracoports were placed in the 6th and 3rd intercostal spaces, respectively. CO2 insufflation was used to pressure of 6 mmHg for exposure. The chest was visualized and the sympathetic chain was identified. Ribs were counted and then using cautery at a low setting was used. The sympathetic chain was transected at the level of the head of the 2nd rib. Accessory nerves of Kuntz were identified and resected. CO2 was then evacuated from the left chest using a bronchial tube exchanger and Valsalva maneuver. The lung was completely re-inflated and skin was closed in normal fashion. The same procedure was repeated on the right side. A chest X-ray was obtained intraoperatively, and no pneumothorax was observed. At the end of the procedure, both upper extremities temperature probes showed a significant increase from baseline. Informed patient consent was obtained.

PMID: 31525484 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Primary hyperhidrosis prevalence and characteristics among medical students in Rio de Janeiro.

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Primary hyperhidrosis prevalence and characteristics among medical students in Rio de Janeiro.

PLoS One. 2019;14(9):e0220664

Authors: Ribeiro Santos Morard M, Betanho Martins R, Lopes Ribeiro AC, Guimarães Rocha Lima P, Dos Santos Carvalho B, Junior JCBS

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is a pathological condition defined by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulatory physiological needs, which can cause substantial psychological impact and impairment of daily activities. Studies regarding its prevalence, however, are scarce and vary widely in their findings. The population of medical students is a particularly interesting subset for its recurring demand of physical contact during patient examination or procedures, and the potential for professional adversity. We aimed at furthering the comprehension of this disease prevalence and characteristics among medical students.
METHODS: Questionnaires inquiring about the presence and characteristics of Primary Hyperhidrosis (PH) were applied through either written or digital means to all eligible medical students enrolled in three Medical Schools in the State of Rio de Janeiro who agreed to take part in the study. Demographic data regarding gender, ethnicity, current age, weight and height was collected in addition to clinical data (sweat site, age of onset, familial history, severity and previous treatments). Severity was evaluated through the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and a symptoms survey.
FINDINGS: Our response rate was roughly 1/3 of all eligible students (900/2700). PH prevalence was 20.56% (185/900). It was similar between men and women (23.08% and 19.41%, respectively) and strongly associated with family history of the disease (Prevalence Ratio of 4.27). Regarding ethnicity, of the total sample 73.78% (664/900) self-declared white, among which 19.28% (128/664) had PH. Mixed-race and other ethnicities encompassed 26.22% (236/900) of the sample, among which 24.15% (57/236) had PH. Most positive subjects (64.32%) presented associated forms of PH. Overall involvement of each site (both associated and isolated) was: 63.78% axillary, 50.81% palmar, 43.24% plantar, 20.54% craniofacial, 18.38% facial flushing and 2.16% gustatory sweating. Mean current age was 23.11(±4.04) years for PH patients, and age of onset was ≤18 years in 93.94% of cases. Regarding body mass index (BMI), 71.09% of PH patients had BMI<25kg/m2 and only 4.69% presented BMI≥30kg/m2, none ≥35kg/m2. Some degree of life quality impairment was reported by 89.20% of PH patients, and 23.89% had HDSS 3 or 4 (moderate to severe).
CONCLUSIONS: PH prevalence among Rio de Janeiro medical students was 20.56%, similar between men and women, predominating associated presentations, axillary, palmar and plantar sites, strong familial history, age of onset before 18 years, and some degree of life impairment.

PMID: 31518360 [PubMed – in process]