JAAD Int. 2024 Jan 23;15:91-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2023.12.011. eCollection 2024 Jun.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A (BTX) and microwave thermolysis (MWT) represent 2 treatment modalities for axillary hyperhidrosis with different procedural and efficacy profiles.
OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term outcomes following BTX vs MWT treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.
METHODS: A prospective, randomized, within-patient, controlled trial, treating axillary hyperhidrosis with contralateral BTX and MWT. Objective sweat measurement and patient-reported outcome measures for sweat and odor were collected at baseline, 6-month and 1-year follow-up (6M/1YFU). Hair reduction and patient treatment preference was also assessed.
RESULTS: Sweat reduction was significant (all P <.01) for both interventions throughout the study. Objectively, sweat reduction was equal at 1-year FU (ΔP =.4282), but greater for BTX than MWT at 6-month FU (ΔP =.0053). Subjective sweat assessment presented comparable efficacy (6MFU: ΔP =.4142, 1YFU: ΔP =.1025). Odor reduction was significant (all P <.01) following both interventions, whereas only sustaining for MWT (6MFU: ΔP =.6826, 1YFU: ΔP =.0098). Long-term, hair reduction was visible after MWT, but not BTX (ΔP ≤.0001), and MWT was preferred by the majority of patients (76%).
LIMITATIONS: The intrinsic challenges in efficacy assessment.
CONCLUSION: This study exhibited BTX and MWT with similar sweat reduction, but distinguishable odor and hair reduction at 1-year FU. These findings support individualized treatment approaches for axillary hyperhidrosis based on patient-specific symptoms and preferences.
PMID:38495540 | PMC:PMC10940128 | DOI:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.12.011