Quality of life after thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a meta-analysis.

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Quality of life after thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a meta-analysis.

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 May 10;:

Authors: Wei Y, Xu ZD, Li H

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Palmar hyperhidrosis affects 0.6-10% of the general population, having an important impact in patients’ quality of life. The definitive treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis is thoracic sympathectomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of life after thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.
METHODS: The interest studies were searched in six comprehensive databases. The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane system evaluation manual. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan version 5.3. The outcome of interest was quality of life. The subgroup analysis and sensitive analysis were performed.
RESULTS: Nine trials, including 895 patients, with accessible data comparing preoperative quality of life score with postoperative quality-of-life score were used for data analysis. Compared with preoperative quality-of-life score, application of thoracic sympathectomy improved the postoperative quality of life of palmar hyperhidrosis patients (MD = 57.81, 95% CI 53.33-62.30). Subgroup analysis of the different thoracic sympathectomy segment showed that there was no significant difference in the results obtained when operated with single segment or multiple segments (single segment: MD = 61.16, 95% CI [56.10, 66.22], multiple segments: MD = 52.14, 95% CI [48.39, 55.88]).
CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis provided evidence of the improved quality of life after thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 32390086 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

The impact of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy on sudomotor function in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

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The impact of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy on sudomotor function in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

Clin Auton Res. 2020 Apr 27;:

Authors: Hirakawa N, Higashimoto I, Takamaori A, Tsukamoto E, Uemura Y

Abstract
PURPOSE: When performing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) in palmar hyperhidrosis patients, a device can be used to measure sweat volume pre- and postoperatively in order to assess indications and treatment effects. In this study, we measured changes in the dynamics of sweating in hyperhidrosis patients pre- and postoperatively and compared the values with those in healthy subjects without hyperhidrosis.
METHODS: The patient group comprised 25 persons with palmar hyperhidrosis who were scheduled for ETS. The dynamics of sweating was measured at 1 day prior to surgery and at 2 days postoperatively, in 18 patients at > 1 year postoperatively in another palmar hyperhidrosis group, and in 20 healthy subjects without hyperhidrosis. A device for measuring local sweat volume was applied at the thenar eminence of both palms. Indicators established were basal sweat rate (BSR; mg/min/cm2), peak sweat rate (PSR; mg/min/cm2) during mental stress (sympathetic sweating response), sweat volume (SV), and sweat time (ST; s).
RESULTS: After surgery, all of the indicators were significantly reduced in hyperhidrosis patients and there was very little response to mental stress. The subgroup of these patients assessed at > 1 year after ETS showed a trend of increased BSR similar to that of healthy subjects. These changes did not correlate with the extent of the removal surgery. Preoperatively, hyperhidrosis patients had significantly greater BSR, PSR, and SV and longer ST than healthy subjects.
CONCLUSION: All of the sweating parameters were increased in palmar hyperhidrosis patients prior to surgery. Immediately after ETS, all these parameters were significantly reduced. At > 1 year after ETS, the BSR had increased to a level similar to that of the healthy volunteers, although PSR did not respond to mental stress.

PMID: 32342237 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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

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

Int J Dermatol. 2020 Apr 16;:

Authors: Wolosker N, Kauffman P, de Campos JRM, Faustino CB, da Silva MFA, Teivelis MP, Puech-Leão P

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.

PMID: 32301117 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

New sympathicotomy for prevention of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis in patients with primary hyperhidrosis.

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New sympathicotomy for prevention of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis in patients with primary hyperhidrosis.

J Thorac Dis. 2020 Mar;12(3):765-772

Authors: Han JW, Kim JJ, Kim YH, Kim IS, Jeong SC

Abstract
Background: Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable secretion in the eccrine sweat glands of the craniofacial region, armpits, hands, and feet. Sympathicotomy is the most effective treatment for severe PH; however, compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) remains the most devastating postoperative complication. The purpose of the present study was to suggest a new sympathicotomy method for PH to prevent severe CH.
Methods: From March 2014 to December 2018, a total of 212 patients were included in the study. R2 (53 cases) sympathicotomy for craniofacial hyperhidrosis and R3 (79 cases) or R4 (80 cases) sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis using the thoracoscopic technique were performed, respectively. Sympathicotomy was performed using two different methods (conventional 145 cases and new 67 cases). Expanded sympathicotomy was performed as the new method (67 cases), which was divided into two groups (partial- and full-expanded sympathicotomy). Operative effectiveness was evaluated by a reduction in percentage of post-operative sweating compared with pre-operative sweating and groups were divided into complete and incomplete sweat reduction characteristics. Complete sweat reduction was defined as sweat reduction ≥80% compared with preoperative sweating. The degrees of CH were classified as negligible, mild bothering (tolerable), and severe bothering (intolerable). Data on preoperative subject characteristics, disease status, operative technique, and postoperative outcomes were gathered using medical records and telephone surveys.
Results: According to sympathicotomy techniques, the conventional procedure (non-expanded sympathicotomy) was performed in 145 cases and the new expanded sympathicotomy procedure was performed in 67 cases (partial-expanded sympathicotomy 28 cases; full-expanded sympathicotomy 39 cases). Craniofacial hyperhidrosis was significantly more prevalent in the older group and in female patients (P<0.001 and P=0.007, respectively). Sympathicotomy was significantly more effective in palmar hyperhidrosis than craniofacial hyperhidrosis (P<0.001). CH was significantly more severe in craniofacial hyperhidrosis than palmar hyperhidrosis after sympathicotomy (P<0.001). In craniofacial hyperhidrosis, there was no significant difference in sweat reduction and CH between conventional and the expanded sympathicotomy techniques (P=0.177 and P=0.474, respectively). In palmar hyperhidrosis, there was no significant difference in sweat reduction between the conventional and the expanded sympathicotomy (P=0.178), however, degree of CH in the conventional technique was significantly more severe than in the expanded technique (P=0.001). Regarding comparison between partial- and full-expanded sympathicotomy, there was no significant difference in sweat reduction between partial-, and full-expanded sympathicotomy; however, CH was significantly more severe in partial-expanded sympathicotomy (craniofacial hyperhidrosis P=0.006; palmar hyperhidrosis P<0.001). Irrespective of hyperhidrosis types, there was no significant difference in sweat reduction between full-expanded and the others (non-expanded and partial-expanded sympathicotomy), however, full-expanded sympathicotomy showed a significantly less degree of CH than non-expanded and partial-expanded sympathicotomy (craniofacial, P=0.002; palmar, P<0.001).
Conclusions: Full-expanded sympathicotomy is a safe and feasible treatment that shows a significant decrease in the degree of CH with the same effect in sweat reduction in both craniofacial and palmar hyperhidrosis. Importantly, no severe CH developed after a full-expanded sympathicotomy without any major postoperative complications.

PMID: 32274143 [PubMed]

Microwave Thermolysis Reduces Generalized and Social Anxiety in Young Adults With Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

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Microwave Thermolysis Reduces Generalized and Social Anxiety in Young Adults With Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

Lasers Surg Med. 2020 Mar 16;:

Authors: Parrish C, Waldbaum B, Coleman D, Blevins C, Rodgers K, Lee B, Ober C, Hudhud L, Cox S, Griffin C, Chew S, Chen B, Brock M

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperhidrosis (HH) is associated with impairments in quality of life (QOL) and elevated anxiety. Microwave thermolysis is a newer treatment that reduces sweating, yet effects on QOL and emotional symptoms have not been examined. Two treatment sessions are recommended to achieve 80% amelioration of clinical HH. We hypothesized that microwave thermolysis would reduce sweat severity, improve QOL, and reduce anxiety in young adults suffering from axillary HH in a prospective clinical trial.
STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 24 young adults (mean age = 23.57 years, 54% female) with elevated scores on the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale. All participants received one session of microwave thermolysis, and 83% received two sessions. Participants completed measures of sweat severity, QOL, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, social avoidance, and anxious/depressive mood symptoms at baseline; post-first treatment; and following second treatment.
RESULTS: At baseline, all participants had severe sweating; 87.5% had impaired QOL, 75% had elevated social anxiety, 50% with generalized anxiety, 48% with social avoidance, and 38% with anxious/depressed mood. Paired samples t tests indicated significant improvements from baseline to first procedure, including decreased sweating (t(21) = 5.68, P < 0.001), improved QOL (t(23) = 4.97, P < 0.001), and decreased generalized anxiety (t(23) = 8.11, P < 0.001), social anxiety (t(22) = 4.55, P < 0.001), mood symptoms (t(21) = 3.81, P = 0.001), and social avoidance (t(22) = 3.12, P = 0.005). After second treatment, further improvements were noted in sweating (t(18) = 3.28, P = 0.004) and QOL (t(18) = 3.83, P = 0.003), and a marginal trend for generalized anxiety (t(19) = 1.96, P = 0.064).
CONCLUSION: There were significant improvements in sweat severity, skin-specific QOL, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, anxious/depressive symptoms, and social avoidance. The majority of the psychosocial benefit appears to emerge after one treatment of microwave thermolysis, whereas the level of sweat severity and QOL continued to show further improvements after a second treatment. Results would suggest that although two microwave thermolysis sessions are needed for maximal treatment optimization of axillary HH, patients may experience significant benefits in improving psychosocial functioning after just one session. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 32175622 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Long-term efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrronium tosylate for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Post hoc pediatric subgroup analysis from a 44-week open-label extension study.

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Long-term efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrronium tosylate for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Post hoc pediatric subgroup analysis from a 44-week open-label extension study.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Mar 08;:

Authors: Hebert AA, Glaser DA, Green L, Hull C, Cather J, Drew J, Gopalan R, Pariser DM

Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Glycopyrronium tosylate (GT) cloth, 2.4% is a topical anticholinergic approved in the United States for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in patients ≥9 years. This post hoc analysis evaluated long-term response (efficacy and safety) in pediatric patients (≥9 to ≤16 years) to GT in the 44-week, open-label extension (NCT02553798) of two, phase 3, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 4-week trials (NCT02530281, NCT02530294).
METHODS: In the double-blind trials, patients ≥9 years with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were randomized 2:1 to once-daily GT:vehicle. Those who completed the study could receive open-label GT for up to an additional 44 weeks. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and local skin reactions (LSRs). Descriptive efficacy assessments included gravimetrically measured sweat production, Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale response (≥2-grade improvement), and Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index.
RESULTS: Of 43 pediatric patients completing either double-blind trial, 38 (88.4%) entered the open-label extension (age, years: 9 [n = 1], 12 [n = 2], 13 [n = 7], 14 and 15 [n = 9 each], 16 [n = 10]). The safety profile observed was similar to the double-blind trials. Most TEAEs (>95%) were mild/moderate, related to anticholinergic activity, and infrequently led to discontinuation (n = 1/38 [2.6%]). No pediatric patients experienced a serious TEAE. Most anticholinergic TEAEs did not require a dose modification and resolved within 7 days. Approximately, one-third of patients (n = 13/38 [34.2%]) had LSRs; most were mild/moderate in severity. Improvements in efficacy measures were maintained from the double-blind trials.
CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, once-daily GT for up to 48 weeks (4-week double-blind plus 44 week open label) provides a noninvasive, well-tolerated treatment option for pediatric patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 32147881 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Sofpironium Bromide Gel for the Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A Phase II, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blinded Trial.

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Efficacy and Safety of Topical Sofpironium Bromide Gel for the Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A Phase II, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blinded Trial.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Feb 14;:

Authors: Kirsch B, Smith S, Cohen J, DuBois J, Green L, Baumann L, Bhatia N, Pariser D, Liu PY, Chadha D, Walker P

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Primary axillary hyperhidrosis has limited noninvasive, effective, and well-tolerated treatment options.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the topical treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with the novel anticholinergic sofpironium bromide.
METHODS: A phase II, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study. Participants were randomized to one of three doses or vehicle, with daily treatment for 42 days. Coprimary endpoints were the percentage of participants exhibiting ≥1-point improvement in Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Measure-Axillary (HDSM-Ax; logistic regression), and change in HDSM-Ax as a continuous measure (ANCOVA). Pair-wise comparisons were one-sided with alpha=0.10.
RESULTS: At end-of-therapy, 70%, 79%, 76% and 54% of participants in the 5%, 10%, 15% and vehicle groups exhibited ≥1-point improvement in HDSM-Ax (P<0.05). Least-square mean (SE) changes in HDSM-Ax were -2.02 (0.14), -2.09 (0.14), 2.10 (0.14), and -1.30 (0.14) (all P≤0.0001). Most treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate.
LIMITATIONS: Not powered to detect changes in gravimetric sweat production.
CONCLUSION: Sofpironium bromide gel produced meaningful reductions in hyperhidrosis severity and had an acceptable safety profile.

PMID: 32068049 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Comparative analysis of the results of videothoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis in adolescent patients.

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Comparative analysis of the results of videothoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis in adolescent patients.

J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Jan 23;:

Authors: Wolosker N, Faustino CB, de Campos JRM, Kauffman P, Yazbek G, Fernandes PP, Cucato G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Several factors that could influence the efficacy and satisfaction of patients after bilateral thoracic sympathectomy (VATS) in the treatment of hyperhidrosis (HH) have been studied, but no studies in the literature have specifically analyzed the effectiveness of treatment and variations in the quality of life of adolescents patients compared to those of adult patients (18-40 years).
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2431 hyperhidrosis patients who underwent bilateral VATS and divided the patients into the following groups: adolescents (472 patients) and adult group (1760 patients). Variables included quality of life prior to surgery, improvement in quality of life after surgery, clinical improvement in sweating, presence of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis and general satisfaction at one month after surgery.
RESULTS: We observed that all surgical patients presented with poor or very poor quality of life before surgery, with similar proportions in both groups. In the postoperative period, we observed improvement in quality of life in more than 90% of the patients, with no significant difference noted between the two groups of patients. We observed that all patients undergoing surgery presented poor or very poor quality of life before surgery; however, the two groups were statistically different. The quality of life of the ADOLESCENT group before surgery was statistically worse than that of the ADULT group. More than 90% of the patients in this series had great clinical improvement in the main hyperhidrosis site, with no significant difference between the two groups. Severe compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 23.8% of the patients in this series, with no significant difference between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent patients benefit just as much as adult patients from VATS performed to treat primary hyperhidrosis, presenting excellent, significant surgical results.
TYPE OF STUDY: Clinical research.
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID: 32063368 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

A comparative study between intradermal botulinum toxin A and fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

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A comparative study between intradermal botulinum toxin A and fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Jan 14;:

Authors: Rummaneethorn P, Chalermchai T

Abstract
Microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis radiofrequency (RF) technology is a new modality that applied deep heat energy directly affecting the epidermis and dermis. Limiting data about FMR for axillary hyperhidrosis is concerning. To compare clinical efficacy between fractional microneedle radiofrequency and intradermal botulinum toxin type A injection. This study was a randomized, intraindividual split-side comparative study. Twenty female subjects clinically diagnosed of primary axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled. All subjects randomly assigned to receive either FMR device on one side of axilla or 50 units of intradermal botulinum toxin A on contralateral side of axilla. Treatment with FMR device was scheduled for 2 sessions for 4 weeks apart. After treatment, mean Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Score (HDSS) of both groups revealed remarkably better reduction from the baseline (p < 000.1). By comparing between the two groups at the endpoint visit (12th week), the botulinum toxin A group had significantly better reduction of mean HDSS score than the microneedle RF group with 1.60 (0.59) versus 2.05 (0.68), respectively (p = 0.0332). At the week-12 visit, the botulinum toxin A group had significantly better participant's satisfaction score by quartile rating scale than the microneedle RF group (2.55 + 0.69 versus 1.70 + 1.03, respectively, p = 0.004). Therefore, the botulinum toxin A group also demonstrated with significantly better improvement for their quality of life by DLQI score at the 12th week than the microneedle RF group (p = 0.013). Intradermal botulinum toxin A had better efficacy than fractional microneedle radiofrequency for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 31939036 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Pressure-and dose-controlled, needle-free, transcutaneous pneumatic injection of botulinum neurotoxin-A for the treatment of primary axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

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Pressure-and dose-controlled, needle-free, transcutaneous pneumatic injection of botulinum neurotoxin-A for the treatment of primary axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

Skin Res Technol. 2020 Jan 10;:

Authors: Kim HM, Lee MJ, Lee MH, Lee H

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) effectively downregulates the secretion of eccrine sweat glands in patients with axillary and palmoplantar primary hyperhidrosis (PH).
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of pressure- and dose-controlled, needle-free, transcutaneous pneumatic injection (TPI) of BoNT-A for treating axillary and palmoplantar PH.
METHODS: Needleless TPI-BoNT-A treatments were delivered on the axillary or palmoplantar skin at a pneumatic pressure of 2.05 bars and an injection volume of 0.08 mL/shot. The efficacy thereof was assessed by evaluating starch-iodine test results and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) scores.
RESULTS: At baseline, median HDSS scores were 3 (IQR, 3-4) for axillary lesions and 4 (IQR, 3.5-4) for palmoplantar lesions. Median HDSS scores at 1 month after TPI-BoNT-A treatment significantly decreased to 1 (IQR, 1-1.75) for axillary lesions (P < .001) and 1 (IQR, 1-2) for palmoplantar lesions (P < .001). Median global improvement scale scores were 4 (IQR, 3.25-4) for axillary PH and 3 (IQR, 2.5-4) for palmoplantar PH (P > .05). In all patients, pain was tolerable during treatments for both axillary and palmoplantar PH after the application of topical anesthetic cream.
CONCLUSION: Pressure- and dose-controlled, needle-free, BoNT delivery effectively and safely decreased sweating in axillary and palmoplantar skin.

PMID: 31922304 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]