Category: Treatment

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Five-year follow-up of patients treated with intra-dermal botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis.

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Five-year follow-up of patients treated with intra-dermal botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis.

Ir J Med Sci. 2020 Jan 03;:

Authors: Lynch OE, Aherne T, Gibbons J, Boland MR, Ryan ÉJ, Boyle E, Egan B, Tierney S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis is a common complaint affecting 5% of the general population. It can significantly impact quality of life (QOL) and may be extremely debilitating. Administration of intra-dermal botulinum toxin type-A (Botox) has been proven to be effective in managing axillary hyperhidrosis; however, to date, no long-term data has assessed its efficacy.
AIM: We aim to assess long-term (> 5 years) QOL outcomes in this patient cohort.
METHODS: In this single-centre series, all patients attending for axillary botox, with five or more years of follow-up, were prospectively included. QOL was assessed in all patients using the validated assessment tool, the modified Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Standard statistical methods were utilised with data reported as mean (± standard deviation). Subgroup analysis utilising previously published departmental data allowed for further assessment of change in QOL over time.
RESULTS: A total of 75 patients (83% female) met the inclusion criteria with 67% completing the DLQI assessment. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 10 years with a mean age of 37.6 years (± 8.82). The mean number of treatments over the study period was 12 (± 3.1). Mean overall post-treatment DLQI score was 1.6 (± 2.01). This represented a significant improvement in patient QOL (p = < 0.0001) associated with long-term botox application. This statistical significance was identified consistently across all components of the DLQI tool.
CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the established early QOL benefits associated with intra-dermal botox administration for AH are sustained in the long term. This benefit was seen across all subsets of the DLQI tool.

PMID: 31898163 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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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]

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Botulinum Toxin: Pharmacology and Injectable Administration for the Treatment of Primary Hyperhidrosis.

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Botulinum Toxin: Pharmacology and Injectable Administration for the Treatment of Primary Hyperhidrosis.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Dec 04;:

Authors: Nawrocki S, Cha J

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is a dermatological condition defined by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulatory needs with significant effects on patients’ quality of life. Hyperhidrosis is categorized as primary or secondary: primary hyperhidrosis is mostly focal and idiopathic, whereas secondary hyperhidrosis is commonly generalized and caused by an underlying medical condition or use of medications. Various surgical and nonsurgical therapies exist for primary hyperhidrosis. Although botulinum toxin is one of the deadliest toxins known, when used in small doses, it is one of the most effective therapies for primary hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin injections are widely used as a second-line primary hyperhidrosis treatment option, when topical treatment strategies have failed. This article provides an overview of the commercially available botulinum toxin formulations and their applications for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 31811879 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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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.

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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]

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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]

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[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]

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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]

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Hyperhidrosis, Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Cohort Study Based on the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Database.

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Hyperhidrosis, Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Cohort Study Based on the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Database.

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Oct 15;16(20):

Authors: Park JM, Moon DH, Lee HS, Park JY, Lee JW, Lee S

Abstract
Sympathetic overactivity is associated with hyperhidrosis and cardiovascular diseases. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a treatment for hyperhidrosis. We aimed to compare the risk for cardiovascular events between individuals with and without hyperhidrosis and investigate the effects of ETS on cardiovascular outcomes. We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study using data acquired from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Subjects newly diagnosed with hyperhidrosis in 2010 were identified and divided into two groups according to whether or not they underwent ETS. Propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model to match hyperhidrosis patients with control subjects. Combined cardiovascular events were defined as stroke and ischemic heart diseases. Subjects were followed up until the first cardiovascular event or 31 December 2017. The risk for cardiovascular events with hyperhidrosis and ETS was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The risk for stroke was significantly higher in the hyperhidrosis group than in the control group (hazard ratio (HR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-1.51); nonetheless, no significant difference in the risk for ischemic heart diseases was observed between the hyperhidrosis group and the control group (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99-1.31). Hyperhidrosis patients who did not undergo ETS were at significantly higher risk for cardiovascular events than the control group (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.45). However, no significant difference in the risk for cardiovascular events was observed between hyperhidrosis patients who underwent ETS and the control group. Hyperhidrosis increases the risk for cardiovascular events. ETS could reduce this risk and needs to be considered for high-risk patients with cardiovascular diseases.

PMID: 31619017 [PubMed – in process]