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]

Topical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Part 1.

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Topical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Part 1.

Int J Pharm Compd. 2019 Jan-Feb;23(1):23-31

Authors: Zur E

Abstract
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, localized, uncontrollable, excessive, and unpredictable sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to affect approximately 2% to 3% of the population, and its effect on a patient’s quality of life is very significant. Primary focal hyperhidrosis can be managed using various therapeutic options, including drugs (topical and systemic), nonsurgical interventions (e.g., iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections), and surgery. This article, which is presented in 2 parts, is a comprehensive review of the topical, evidence-based treatments of primary focal hyperhidrosis, and it covers the following active pharmaceutical ingredients: aluminum salts, methenamine, glycopyrronium salts, oxybutynin chloride; the latter 2 ingredients will be discussed in part 2 of this article. This article discusses the evidence-based data that exists from clinical trials that support the use of topical medications to treat the pathology from efficacy and from a safety point of view. This review also discusses compounding considerations for professionally and safely compounding various topical preparations. In addition, a range of relevant formulas are attached to the article and can be used by compounding pharmacists.

PMID: 30668532 [PubMed – in process]

A Retrospective Analysis of the use of Tap Water Iontophoresis for Focal Hyperhidrosis at a District General Hospital: The Patients’ Perspective.

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A Retrospective Analysis of the use of Tap Water Iontophoresis for Focal Hyperhidrosis at a District General Hospital: The Patients’ Perspective.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2019 Jan 16;:1-9

Authors: Gollins CE, Carpenter A, Steen C, Bulinski H, Mahendran R

Abstract
Tap water iontophoresis as a treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, is given as an initial series of treatments in hospital followed by home maintenance treatments. Our study assessed quality of life and perception of hyperhidrosis with the use of iontophoresis. All patients treated with iontophoresis at our hospital from 2012 – 2017 were retrospectively assessed (n = 82, mean age 34 years; 60% female). 50 of the 82 patients (mean age 34 years; 60% female) had a pre-treatment DLQI (mean 12.6). Twenty three of these patients (mean age 33 years; 60% female) had a paired pre- and post-treatment DLQI recorded. The average DLQI pre-treatment was 14.1 and post-treatment was 2.2. Therefore, the average reduction (improvement) was 11.9 (p < 0.05). 38 of the 82 patients (46%) completed a telephone interview (mean age 35 years; 65% female). Of this cohort, 24 had an improvement in HDSS following treatment, and the remaining 14 patients had no change. 9 patients (24%) bought their own iontophoresis machine. In these patients, there was a higher average improvement in HDSS (1.8), compared to the total interviewed cohort (1.0). In conclusion tap water iontophoresis can result in a significant improvement in perceived severity of hyperhidrosis and quality of life.

PMID: 30646797 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Examining hyperhidrosis: an update on new treatments.

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Examining hyperhidrosis: an update on new treatments.

Am J Manag Care. 2018 Dec;24(23 Suppl):S496-S501

Authors: Jacob CI

Abstract
Primary hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that causes significant distress and financial burden for affected patients, triggering them to seek medical care for their excessive sweating. Once a diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis has been established, treatment is initiated to help control sweat production and increase quality of life. While there are no current guidelines in the United States for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, there are International Hyperhidrosis Society guidelines that clinicians can use. Currently, a step-therapy approach with the least invasive treatments prioritized first is recommended; the patient’s reported disability should also be taken into consideration when selecting a first-line treatment. This update will discuss new treatment modalities, surgical procedures, associated comorbidities, and the impact on managed care of hyperhidrosis, so clinicians can tailor therapy, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction.

PMID: 30589249 [PubMed – in process]

Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating.

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Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating.

Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Dec 09;:

Authors: Cohen SR, Goodacre AK, Leong TS, Southwell L, Nomachi T

Abstract
Background: Primary excessive sweating of the axilla affects approximately 3.12% of the US population and has a negative impact on individuals’ lives.
Objectives: We report the safety and effectiveness up to 90 days after treating excessive sweating with percutaneous radiofrequency when using a standardized protocol.
Methods: Twenty adult subjects (13 females, 7 males) aged 18-49 years with excessive sweating were enrolled in a single-center, single-treatment unblinded prospective study conducted at the FACES+ Aesthetic Facility. Forty axilla were treated using the ThermiGen ThermiRF device. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and the Odor Scale (OS) were used for qualitative assessment.
Results: Primary and secondary exploratory evaluations were favorable at 90 days, indicating a significant improvement in quality of life and a significant reduction in both sweating and odor. The DLQI demonstrated an average improvement of 10.8 points at day 30, 10.7 at day 60, and 11.1 at day 90 (P = 0.0001). At day 90, 100% of individuals had ≥50% improvement in their excessive sweating based on the HDSS. At the conclusion of the study, 15 subjects had a ≥1-point drop in their OS, whereas 5 subjects had no change (P = 0.0002). There were no serious adverse events reported during this study. All adverse events were classified as mild and moderate and resolved within 2 months.
Conclusions: The addition of the ThermiRF temperature-controlled radiofrequency device to the algorithm of hyperhidrosis treatments reduces sweating and odor with minimal downtime.
Level of Evidence 4:

PMID: 30535166 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Glycopyrronium tosylate in pediatric primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Post hoc analysis of efficacy and safety findings by age from two phase three randomized controlled trials.

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Glycopyrronium tosylate in pediatric primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Post hoc analysis of efficacy and safety findings by age from two phase three randomized controlled trials.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Nov 19;:

Authors: Hebert AA, Glaser DA, Green L, Werschler WP, Forsha DW, Drew J, Gopalan R, Pariser DM

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Hyperhidrosis in pediatric patients has been understudied. Post hoc analyses of two phase 3 randomized, vehicle-controlled, 4-week trials (ATMOS-1 [NCT02530281] and ATMOS-2 [NCT02530294]) were performed to assess efficacy and safety of topical anticholinergic glycopyrronium tosylate (GT) in pediatric patients.
METHODS: Patients had primary axillary hyperhidrosis ≥ 6 months, average Axillary Sweating Daily Diary (ASDD/ASDD-Children [ASDD-C]) Item 2 (sweating severity) score ≥ 4, sweat production ≥ 50 mg/5 min (each axilla), and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) ≥ 3. Coprimary end points were ≥ 4-point improvement on ASDD/ASDD-C Item 2 (a validated patient-reported outcome) and change in gravimetrically measured sweat production at Week 4. Efficacy and safety data are shown through Week 4 for the pediatric (≥ 9 to ≤ 16 years) vs older (> 16 years) subgroups.
RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-seven patients were randomized in ATMOS-1/ATMOS-2 (GT, N = 463; vehicle, N = 234); 44 were ≥ 9 to ≤ 16 years (GT, n = 25; vehicle, n = 19). Baseline disease characteristics were generally similar across subgroups. GT-treated pediatric vs older patients had comparable improvements in ASDD/ASDD-C Item 2 (sweating severity) responder rate, HDSS responder rate (≥ 2-grade improvement]), sweat production, and quality of life (mean change from Baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]/children’s DLQI), with greater improvement vs vehicle. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between subgroups, and most were mild, transient, and infrequently led to discontinuation.
CONCLUSIONS: Topical, once-daily GT improved disease severity (ASDD/ASDD-C, HDSS), sweat production, and quality of life (DLQI), with similar findings in children, adults, and the pooled population. GT was well tolerated, and treatment-emergent adverse events were qualitatively similar between subgroups and consistent with other anticholinergics.

PMID: 30451318 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Topical Glycopyrronium Tosylate for the Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from the ATMOS-1 and ATMOS-2 Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials.

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Topical Glycopyrronium Tosylate for the Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from the ATMOS-1 and ATMOS-2 Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials.

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Oct 30;:

Authors: Pariser DM, Hebert AA, Drew J, Quiring J, Gopalan R, Glaser DA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glycopyrronium tosylate (GT) is a topical anticholinergic approved in the USA for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in patients aged ≥ 9 years. GT was evaluated for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in replicate, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, phase III trials. GT reduced sweating severity and production versus vehicle and was generally well tolerated.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from these trials.
METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 9 years with primary axillary hyperhidrosis ≥ 6 months, gravimetrically measured sweat production ≥ 50 mg/5 min in each axilla, Axillary Sweating Daily Diary (ASDD) Item 2 severity score ≥ 4, and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score ≥ 3 were randomized 2:1 to GT 3.75% or vehicle applied once daily to each axilla for 4 weeks. The 4-item ASDD, 6 Weekly Impact (WI) items, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), HDSS, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were utilized.
RESULTS: In the pooled population, 463 patients were randomized to GT and 234 to vehicle; 426 (92.0%) and 225 (96.2%) completed the trials. At baseline, most patients considered their axillary sweating to be at least moderate in severity, impact, and bothersomeness (ASDD items 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Improvement was substantially greater for GT than for vehicle at every study week, and, at week 4, ASDD scores improved from baseline by 62.6 versus 34.0% (severity), 65.5 versus 40.3% (impact), and 65.4 versus 39.0% (bothersomeness). Improvements favoring GT versus vehicle also occurred for WI items, PGIC, HDSS, and DLQI.
CONCLUSIONS: PRO results demonstrated that GT reduced the disease burden of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov; ATMOS-1 (NCT02530281), ATMOS-2 (NCT02530294).

PMID: 30378087 [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]

[Hyperhidrosis-aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical symptoms and treatment].

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[Hyperhidrosis-aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical symptoms and treatment].

Hautarzt. 2018 Oct;69(10):857-869

Authors: Wohlrab J, Kreft B

Abstract
Although primary hyperhidrosis is a common disease, secondary symptomatic hyperhidrosis is rather rare. Primary hyperhidrosis is a complex neuropathic dysregulation with a genetic predisposition and is diagnosed when patients show pathologic sweating patterns and excessive sweating for at least 6 months and fulfill at least four of the following criteria: affected areas are axillae and/or palms and/or soles and/or forehead; symmetry; no night sweating; at least once a week; onset before the age of 25; positive family history; negative impact on daily activities. Frequently used therapies are topical aluminum salts and anticholinergics, iontophoresis in water, and intracutaneous botulinum toxin. Anticholinergics are also used as systemic treatment. Surgical procedures are used as a last result. Furthermore procedures using thermolysis have been developed.

PMID: 30218113 [PubMed – in process]