Treatment approaches and outcomes associated with the use of abobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of hyperhidrosis: A systematic review

Detecting and treating the protean manifestations of diabetic autonomic neuropathy

The manifestations of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) are protean and clinically involve multiple systems, including the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal system, the genitourinary system as well as the sweat glands (sudomotor dysfunction) and the gallbladder. In addition, cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is associated with a correctible inability to appreciate and correct hypoglycaemia. While not a clinical problem, pupillary involvement should be the clue and the catalyst to investigate for other manifestations of DAN. This review outlines a practical approach to detecting and investigating the manifestations of DAN. Of particular importance is early detection of cardiovascular involvement where prompt therapy through glycaemic control can decrease the severity of CAN and decelerate the frequency and severity of retinopathy and nephropathy in addition to decreasing cardiovascular events and mortality. CAN also plays a role in accelerating other diabetic complications such as acute ischaemic stroke, heart failure, medial artery calcinosis, foot ulcers, peripheral artery disease and Charcot joints. Many therapies of DAN are available, which should not only decrease morbidity and mortality from DAN, but also improve the patient's quality of life. However, the therapies available are largely symptomatic.

Sofpironium bromide: an investigational agent for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, increased knowledge about pathophysiology of primary hyperhidrosis has led to novel therapeutic advances. Topical and systemic anticholinergic agents have been proven beneficial in reducing sweat production in primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH), although their use is limited by the increased likelihood of systemic anticholinergic drug reactions, particularly regarding systemic agents.

AREAS COVERED

This paper provides an overview of pharmaceutical characteristics, efficacy and safety data from phase II and III clinical trials on sofpironium bromide (SB), a topical anticholinergic agent that has been employed for the treatment of PAH and has already received its first approval in Japan for the treatment of PAH in the form of 5% gel formulation.

EXPERT OPINION

The retrometabolic drug design of topical SB presents distinct advantages, by limiting systemic absorption and therefore development of anticholinergic adverse events. This along with the popularity of the non-greasy gel formulation is expected to increase compliance. However, this therapy still offers a temporary control of PAH, compared to sympathectomy or device-based treatments, such as microwave thermolysis. Hence, physicians should balance the effectiveness against adverse events of each therapeutic modality and use a personalized approach based on patient's needs.

[Hyperhidrosis from diagnosis to management]

Hyperhidrosis is defined as uncontrollable, excessive and unpredictable sweating that exceeds the needs related to thermoregulation. It preferentially affects axillary, palms, soles and face but can affect any part of the body. This ostensibly benign symptom can have a major negative impact on quality of life sometimes leading to isolation and depression. Moreover, in some cases hyperhidrosis can be secondary to an underlying pathology sometimes malignant which must be identified quickly. Consequently, each doctor should be able to develop a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this relatively frequent and probably underdiagnosed and undertreated reason for consultation. In this review, we focus on diagnosis hyperhidrosis and its management.