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Epidemiology and health care of hyperhidrosis in Germany: claims data analysis

BMJ Open. 2024 Aug 12;14(8):e085862. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085862.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Data on the population-based epidemiology of hyperhidrosis (HH) are scarce. This study investigated the epidemiology and healthcare of HH in Germany.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Claims data of adult persons insured by a German statutory health insurance (DAK-Gesundheit) between 2016 and 2020 were analysed. Included were persons aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of HH (confirmed inpatient or outpatient diagnosis in the observation year) who were continuously insured. Following outcomes were measured: prevalence and incidence rates, severity of hyperhidrosis and inpatient and outpatient care by a group of specialists.

RESULTS: In 2020, 0.70% of insured adults were confirmed to have HH (mean age 59.5 years, SD 18.9, 61.6% female), with 9.24% having a ‘localised’ form, 8.65% a ‘generalised’ form and 84.80% an ‘unspecified’ form. 0.04% of the total population had a severe form. The incidence was 0.35%. Localised HH was more common in younger age groups (18 to <30 years), while older age groups (70 to <80 years) were significantly more likely to suffer from generalised HH. Systemic anticholinergics were used in 4.55%, and botulinum toxin injection therapy in 0.81%. General practitioners were most frequently involved in care. Inpatient stays due to HH were very rare, with 0.14% in 2019 and 0.04% in 2020.

CONCLUSION: Multisource data analysis connecting primary and secondary data will be needed for a complete picture of the healthcare and epidemiology of HH.

PMID:39134433 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085862

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Risk Factors Affecting the Outcomes of CT-Guided Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation of the T3 Sympathetic Nerve in the Treatment of Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2024 Aug 5;20:465-472. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S463025. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Current studies mostly suggest that hyperhidrosis is caused by relative sympathetic hyperactivity. Sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation is widely used in clinics. Previous studies have demonstrated that surgery at T3 is effective and safe compared with higher levels, so craniofacial hyperhidrosis in our hospital is selected to be treated at T3. However, some patients pursue repeat medical treatment due to an increase in hyperhidrosis at the original site after surgery. Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of Perfusion index (PI) value in the recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis, but there is no relevant study on craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

METHODS: Clinical data from patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis, who underwent T3 sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation at Jiaxing First Hospital (Jiaxing, China) between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, were analyzed. Recurrence in patients 1 year after surgery was recorded through a case search and telephone follow-up system that registered patient information. Clinical data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis to investigate risk factors associated with recurrence in patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS: Of 83 patients included in the present study, 34 (40%) experienced increased craniofacial sweating 1 year after surgery. Results of univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that computed tomography (CT) scan count, increase in pulse index (PI) at the fingertips, and differences in forehead temperature were potential risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis (p<0.2), and the results were consistent on both sides. Three potential risk factors were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis and results revealed that the risk for recurrence was reduced by 48% (left side) and 67% (right side) for every 1 unit increase in PI value.

CONCLUSION: A small increase in PI was an independent risk factor for recurrence of hyperhidrosis in patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis after undergoing T3 sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation.

PMID:39131182 | PMC:PMC11314434 | DOI:10.2147/TCRM.S463025

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Comparison of Microwave-Based Therapy and Negative-Pressure Suction-Curettage for Axillary Hyperhidrosis and Bromhidrosis: A Retrospective Analysis

Ann Plast Surg. 2024 Aug 1;93(2S Suppl 1):S86-S88. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003929.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis are common clinical diseases, affecting the patients’ work and life. Negative-pressure suction-curettage is the most popular treatment now, but challenged by a new microwave-based therapy (MiraDry). We intend to compare the safety and efficiency of the 2 treatments.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 39 female patients with both primary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis was conducted. Seventeen patients were treated with MiraDry, and 22 underwent negative-pressure suction-curettage. The postoperative follow-up program included sweat and odor assessments, satisfaction measurement, safety evaluation, and recurrence assessment at different time points until 12 months.

RESULTS: Both treatments showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in HDSS score and odor level at 6 and 12 months compared with the baseline. No significant difference in relative reduction was observed between the 2 groups. The satisfaction score of the microwave-based therapy group was higher than that of the negative-pressure suction-curettage group, but no statistical difference was found. The difference in the recurrence rate and complication rate between the groups did not reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Microwave-based therapy is a noninvasive treatment with durable effects, low risks, shorter downtime, good appearance, and high satisfaction for axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis.

PMID:39101854 | DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003929

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Shapiro’s syndrome: episodic hypothermic hyperhidrosis

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Jul 29;17(7):e260998. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260998.

ABSTRACT

SummaryShapiro’s syndrome is a rare neurological disease. The triad of Shapiro’s syndrome includes episodes of hyperhidrosis, hypothermia and complete/partial agenesis of the corpus callosum. We report a case of a young male who had episodic chills, increased sweating and fatigue. During these episodes, he was found to have bradycardia, hypotension and hypothermia. Clinical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. The MRI of the brain revealed agenesis of the corpus callosum. There was a good response to carbamazepine therapy.

PMID:39074946 | DOI:10.1136/bcr-2024-260998

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Hyperhidrosis and Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Jun 24;16(6):e63021. doi: 10.7759/cureus.63021. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

In this report, we present the case of a 20-year-old male with childhood-onset hyperhidrosis affecting his fingers and palm flexor surfaces. Dermatological examination revealed café-au-lait macules, palm and sole involvement, and axillary freckling. A starch-iodine test confirmed localized sweating. Neuroimaging identified neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with subcutaneous nodules and dural ectasia in the thoracic spine. The patient was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and NF1 based on diagnostic criteria, and he responded well to 20% aluminum chloride for treatment of hyperhidrosis. This case represents a unique occurrence of hyperhidrosis with NF1 in Saudi Arabia. Comprehensive evaluation, including systemic assessment, radiology, and starch-iodine testing, aids in diagnosis and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this disorder, which remains unexplained.

PMID:39050311 | PMC:PMC11267592 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.63021

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Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis with Two Doses of Botulinum Toxin A-Observational Study

Toxins (Basel). 2024 Jul 16;16(7):320. doi: 10.3390/toxins16070320.

ABSTRACT

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is defined as the production of more sweat than is necessary for its thermoregulatory function, negatively affecting patients’ quality of life and interfering with their social, work and family life. In this context, the aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the efficacy of two different doses of botulinum toxin type A (50 or 100 units) in each axilla in severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional and post-authorisation study was conducted onpatients referred to our department.Thirty-one patients with severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis were included, some of whom received more than one infiltration during the follow-up period, performing a total of 82 procedures. They were assigned by simple random sampling to two types of treatment: infiltration of 50 or 100 units (U) of botulinum toxin A per axilla.Hyperhidrosis severity was assessed using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Onabotulinum toxin A infiltration reduced the severity of hyperhidrosis and improved the quality of life of the treated patients, with no significant differences between the two groups.

PMID:39057960 | DOI:10.3390/toxins16070320

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Internalized stigma, disease severity, quality of life, anxiety and depression in axillary hyperhidrosis

Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2024 Jul 15;151(3):103291. doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2024.103291. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) is characterized by excessive underarm sweating. It is a chronic autonomic disorder that can lead to social embarrassment, impaired quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression. Internalized stigma (IS), defined as the acceptance of negative societal attitudes and stereotypes about an individual’s illness, has not been previously studied in AH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of IS in patients with AH and the relationships between IS, disease severity, quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and four patients with AH were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) was used to define disease severity. Assessment was made using the Internalized Stigma Scale (ISS) (between 29 and 116, the higher the score the greater the stigma), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.1 ± 10.9 years. The HDSS grade was mostly moderate to severe. The mean ISS score was 57.5 ± 6.5. Median HADS scores were 7 [interquartile range (IQR) 2-12] and 5 [IQR 2-10], respectively. HADS scores ≥ 8 were observed respectively in 39.4% and 8.7% of patients. The median DLQI score was 14 [IQR 4-24]. A DLQI score ≥ 11 was observed in 75% of patients. Significant correlation was found between ISS score and HDSS (r = 0.445, p < 0.001), HADS-A (r = 0.455, p < 0.001), DLQI (r = 0.478, p < 0.001) scores and symptom duration (r = 0.207, p = 0.035). The relationship between ISS and HADS depression scores was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: IS is common in patients with AH. Disease severity, symptom duration and anxiety increased IS. Patient’s quality of life is reduced in AH.

PMID:39013257 | DOI:10.1016/j.annder.2024.103291

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Incidence and Severity of Compensatory Hyperhidrosis Following Bilateral Sympathectomy

Ann Vasc Surg. 2024 Jul 11:S0890-5096(24)00390-X. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.05.013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition caused by an excessive stimulation of sweat glands, leading to a decline in both quality of life and social wellbeing. Thoracic sympathectomy surgery provides a relief of the initial symptoms but poses a risk for developing compensatory hyperhidrosis in various degrees.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and characteristics of compensatory hyperhidrosis post thoracic sympathectomy.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy surgery at level T2-T3 between 2016 and 2022 was conducted. Patients’ data was retrieved from medical records and through a telephone interview.

RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (32 males and 18 females) were operated on with a mean ± SD age of 25.9 ± 7.4 years at the time of surgery for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Initial symptoms started in childhood at a mean ± SD age of 11.4 ± 3.3 years. Postoperatively, 39 patients (78%) developed compensatory hyperhidrosis, more prevalent in males (64.1%) compared to females (35.8%). This compensatory hyperhidrosis mainly affected the back and abdomen (100%), followed by the groin and thighs (28.2%), and, to a lesser extent, the craniofacial area (15.3%). Onset of symptoms occurred within one week after surgery in 71.7% of cases, with 71.7% reporting mild to moderate symptoms. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was significantly associated with higher age at the time of surgery, smoking status, and a longer time lapse in the surgery operation (p value <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic sympathectomy is an effective procedure with a high success rate. Despite a relatively higher occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis, most patients experience milder symptoms and express satisfaction, noting that their expectations were met following the surgery.

PMID:39002894 | DOI:10.1016/j.avsg.2024.05.013