Palmar hyperhidrosis: long-term follow-up of nine children and adolescents treated with botulinum toxin type A

A comparative evaluation of aluminum chloride hexahydrate gel iontophoresis versus tap water iontophoresis in people with primary palmar hyperhidrosis: A randomised clinical trial

Background Primary palmar hyperhidrosis causes a lot of problems for patients and negatively affects their quality of life. Currently, iontophoresis with tap water and aluminum chloride hexahydrate is used for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Yet, little evidence exists about iontophoresis with aluminum chloride hexahydrate in the form of gel. This study investigated the effect of aluminum chloride hexahydrate gel iontophoresis compared to tap water iontophoresis on primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods In this randomised controlled trial study, 32 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis were divided randomly into two groups (n = 16). Participants received 7 sessions of iontophoresis with aluminum chloride hexahydrate gel or tap water every other day on the dominant hand. The sweating rate was measured by gravimetry and iodine-starch tests before and after the last treatment session. Results Following the iontophoresis, the rate of sweating in both hands in the two groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). However, the sweating rate in the treated hand and the non-treated hand showed no significant difference. There was no significant difference observed in sweating rate reduction between both groups over time, but the larger effect size values observed in the aluminum chloride hexahydrate gel iontophoresis group may suggest the superiority of this gel over tap water in reducing the rate of sweating. Limitations Further investigations with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the hypothesis regarding the effectiveness of aluminum chloride hexahydrate gel iontophoresis over other types of iontophoresis. In addition, contraindications of iontophoresis such as pregnancy, pacemakers, and epilepsy should be considered. Conclusion The present study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that aluminum chloride hexahydrate gel iontophoresis is an effective alternative treatment to decrease sweating rate in extended areas with fewer side effects in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Evaluation of quality of life (QOL) of young patients with primary hyperhidrosis (PH) before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) affects young patients and may cause emotional distress and a negative quality of life (QOL).

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the QOL of children and adolescents with PH treated by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

METHODS

A study of 220 patients was performed, based on submitted QOL questionnaires from their first consultation. Patients were evaluated within 1 week and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Before endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, the QOL in relation to PH was declared very poor by 141 patients, and poor by the remaining 79 (P = .552). Postoperative cure was reported in 100% of palmar and axillary PH cases, and in 91.7% of facial PH. After 24 months, the QOL was described as much better by 212 patients, a little better by 6 patients, and 2 patients reported no change.

LIMITATIONS

Convenience sampling was used and patients were taken from private practice only, raising the possibility of bias in gathering the data.

CONCLUSION

Onset of PH symptoms was mainly before the age of 10 years and substantially affected daily activities. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy cured PH and promoted significant improvement in the QOL of these young patients.

Over a decade of single-center experience with thoracoscopic sympathicolysis for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: a case series

BACKGROUND

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a severely debilitating condition that can affect patients of any age. We report our experience with thoracoscopic sympathicolysis in a large cohort of children less than 14 years of age.

METHODS

All children who underwent thoracoscopic sympathicolysis from April 2005 through January 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. The procedure entailed bilateral bipolar fulguration of the second and third thoracic ganglia with transverse disruption of collateral nerve fibers along the third and fourth rib. Demographic information, as well as postoperative outcome, complications, and satisfaction were analyzed.

RESULTS

Over the 12 year study interval, a total of 102 children underwent thoracoscopic sympathicolysis for palmar hyperhidrosis. Complete follow-up was available for 98 patients (median age 12 [range 5-14] years; 38 boys [39%]). Median follow-up was 4 [range 2-12] years. Complete palmar dryness was achieved in 93 (95%) cases. One patient suffered postoperative unilateral ptosis, 6 reported gustatory sweating, and 65 experienced compensatory sweating. Average postoperative rating on a 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) rating scale was 9, with 97 (99%) patients saying that they would undergo the procedure again.

CONCLUSION

Our technique of thoracoscopic sympathicolysis in children was associated with very high postoperative satisfaction, despite a high rate of compensatory sweating and occasional autonomic gustatory sweating. Other more severe complications in this age group were rare.

Interventions for hyperhidrosis in secondary care: a systematic review and value-of-information analysis

BACKGROUND

Hyperhidrosis is uncontrollable excessive sweating that occurs at rest, regardless of temperature. The symptoms of hyperhidrosis can significantly affect quality of life. The management of hyperhidrosis is uncertain and variable.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the expected value of undertaking additional research to determine the most effective interventions for the management of refractory primary hyperhidrosis in secondary care.

METHODS

A systematic review and economic model, including a value-of-information (VOI) analysis. Treatments to be prescribed by dermatologists and minor surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet and axillae were reviewed; as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is incontestably an end-of-line treatment, it was not reviewed further. Fifteen databases (e.g. CENTRAL, PubMed and PsycINFO), conference proceedings and trial registers were searched from inception to July 2016. Systematic review methods were followed. Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted for comparisons between botulinum toxin (BTX) injections and placebo for axillary hyperhidrosis, but otherwise, owing to evidence limitations, data were synthesised narratively. A decision-analytic model assessed the cost-effectiveness and VOI of five treatments (iontophoresis, medication, BTX, curettage, ETS) in 64 different sequences for axillary hyperhidrosis only.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Fifty studies were included in the effectiveness review: 32 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 17 non-RCTs and one large prospective case series. Most studies were small, rated as having a high risk of bias and poorly reported. The interventions assessed in the review were iontophoresis, BTX, anticholinergic medications, curettage and newer energy-based technologies that damage the sweat gland (e.g. laser, microwave). There is moderate-quality evidence of a large statistically significant effect of BTX on axillary hyperhidrosis symptoms, compared with placebo. There was weak but consistent evidence for iontophoresis for palmar hyperhidrosis. Evidence for other interventions was of low or very low quality. For axillary hyperhidrosis cost-effectiveness results indicated that iontophoresis, BTX, medication, curettage and ETS was the most cost-effective sequence (probability 0.8), with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £9304 per quality-adjusted life-year. Uncertainty associated with study bias was not reflected in the economic results. Patients and clinicians attending an end-of-project workshop were satisfied with the sequence of treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis identified as being cost-effective. All patient advisors considered that the Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index was superior to other tools commonly used in hyperhidrosis research for assessing quality of life.

LIMITATIONS

The evidence for the clinical effectiveness and safety of second-line treatments for primary hyperhidrosis is limited. This meant that there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions for most interventions assessed and the cost-effectiveness analysis was restricted to hyperhidrosis of the axilla.

FUTURE WORK

Based on anecdotal evidence and inference from evidence for the axillae, participants agreed that a trial of BTX (with anaesthesia) compared with iontophoresis for palmar hyperhidrosis would be most useful. The VOI analysis indicates that further research into the effectiveness of existing medications might be worthwhile, but it is unclear that such trials are of clinical importance. Research that established a robust estimate of the annual incidence of axillary hyperhidrosis in the UK population would reduce the uncertainty in future VOI analyses.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015027803.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Tap water iontophoresis in the treatment of pediatric hyperhidrosis

AIM OF THE STUDY

The treatment options for localized hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, anticholinergics, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin and surgery. Tap water iontophoresis (TWI) involves immersing the affected area in tap water and passing a small electrical current through the area. Our aim was to assess the success of this therapy in a pediatric cohort.

METHODS

Retrospective case note review of all patients younger than 18years who underwent TWI between 2002 and 2015. Demographic data, number of treatment sessions, side effects and overall success were analyzed. Individuals undergo 7 treatments over 4weeks. A positive outcome was determined as an improvement in symptoms. Pre- and posttreatment hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS) was measured. Data are presented as mean (range). Statistical analysis was by paired t-test. A P value of <0.05 was regarded as significant.

RESULTS

There were 43 patients (30 females) with a mean age of 15 (8-17) years. Palmar and/or plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) was present in 39/43 (91%) patients. Axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) was present in 19/43 (44%) patients. All patients (with the exception of one) underwent 7 sessions (5-7). Side effects included paresthesia (88%), pruritus (26%), pain (26%), erythema (14%), dryness (12%) as well as vesicle formation and abrasions in one patient (2%). A positive outcome was found in 84% (36/43) of patients. There was a significant reduction in mean HDSS (pre 3.5 vs. post 2; P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

TWI is a safe and effective modality of treatment for both PPH and AH in the pediatric population, with minimal side effects. Pediatric surgeons should offer this treatment option before considering more invasive surgical procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV: Retrospective study.

Individualized Dosing of Oral Oxybutynin for the Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis in Children and Teenagers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Oral anticholinergic drugs, such as oxybutynin, are often used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, but few studies have focused on dosing strategies for children. The objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of individualized dosing regimens of oral oxybutynin for treating primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) in children and teenagers.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed including patients who initiated treatment for hyperhidrosis between November 2011 and November 2014. Response to treatment and adverse effects were evaluated using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale at baseline and at 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 16 patients included in the study, 15 (93.8%) had responded to treatment at the 3-month follow-up (62.5% with excellent response). At the 12-month follow-up, the 11 patients who continued the treatment were still responding (63.6% with excellent response). Adverse effects were reported for 68.8% of the patients at 3 months and 54.5% at 12 months, with a predominance of oropharyngeal xerosis. No serious adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Dose individualization of oral oxybutynin according to clinical response and tolerance observed in each patient is a useful management strategy in children and teenagers.

Quality of life and social isolation in Greek adolescents with primary focal hyperhidrosis treated with botulinum toxin type A: a case series

Primary hyperhidrosis, although extensively documented in adults, typically has onset that dates back to early childhood. It is an unpleasant and socially disabling problem for the affected child, but little attention has been paid to the disease in adolescents. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in adolescents with primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis and to determine its effect on quality of life and social isolation. Thirty-five individuals (17 girls, 18 boys) with moderate to severe palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis were treated with BTXA (onabotulinum). Patients were examined at baseline and 6 months after treatment. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) was used to evaluate disease severity and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was used to assess quality of life. The University of California at Los Angeles loneliness scale (UCLA version 3) was used to assess personal perception of loneliness and social isolation. The median age of the participants was 14 years, and 48.6% were female. Twenty-one had palmar hyperhidrosis, and 14 had axillary hyperhidrosis. Total CDLQI and social isolation scores decreased significantly after treatment with BTXA (both p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment levels of severity of hyperhidrosis. No statistically significant difference was documented for CDLQI and UCLA scores between boys and girls. Treatment of hyperhidrosis with BTXA resulted in improvement in quality of life, social skills, and activities.

Hyperhidrosis: review of recent advances and new therapeutic options for primary hyperhidrosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a common condition that negatively impacts quality of life for many pediatric patients and can be challenging to treat. Standard treatments for hyperhidrosis can be used with success in many patients, and newer therapies and techniques offer options that have demonstrated efficacy and safety. This review highlights standard therapies for primary focal hyperhidrosis as well as the most recent technique advancements and alternative treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

The standard approach to treating primary focal hyperhidrosis remains initiation of topical preparations, followed by advancement to systemic medications, local administration of medication and/or surgical procedures. Recent studies focus on enhancing tolerability of topical preparations as well as evaluating the efficacy of neuromodulator injections, oral anticholinergic medications and laser therapy. Microwave technology has also been introduced for the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis with promising results.

SUMMARY

Many therapies exist for hyperhidrosis, and each treatment plan must be evaluated on a patient-by-patient basis. Advances in standard therapies and emergence of new treatment techniques are the main emphases of current published literature on hyperhidrosis. This article presents recent therapeutic options as well as updates on more established strategies to help practitioners treat this challenging condition.

Update on pediatric hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a common and under-recognized disease in the pediatric population that has a significant impact on quality of life. Focal and generalized forms of hyperhidrosis exist, which can be idiopathic or secondary to underlying medical conditions or medications. Treatment is tailored to the specific patient needs, characteristics and goals. These include topical preparations, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin and anticholinergic medications.

Oral glycopyrrolate as second-line treatment for primary pediatric hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Primary focal hyperhidrosis not uncommonly begins during the first two decades of life, and can have a profound effect on quality of life. Few treatment options have been studied in children.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the response to oral glycopyrrolate in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Records of pediatric patients with hyperhidrosis seen at a pediatric hospital in a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively and, if possible, parents and patients were also interviewed. The efficacy and adverse effects of oral glycopyrrolate were assessed.

RESULTS

In all, 31 children took at least one dose of oral glycopyrrolate. All had daily hyperhidrosis that affected their quality of life and were resistant or intolerant of aluminum salts. The mean age of hyperhidrosis onset was 10.3 years, and mean age of initiation of glycopyrrolate was 14.8 years. At a mean dosage of 2 mg daily, 90% of patients experienced improvement, which was major in 71% of responders. Improvement occurred within hours of administration and disappeared within a day of discontinuation. Duration of treatment averaged 2.1 years (range to 10 years). Side effects were noted by 29% of children, most commonly dry mouth (26%) and eyes (10%), and were dose-related. One patient developed blurred vision, which resolved with dosing below 5 mg/d; one patient experienced palpitations and discontinued the medication.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective analysis of a limited number of pediatric patients.

CONCLUSION

Oral glycopyrrolate is a cost-effective, painless second-line therapy for children and adolescents with primary focal hyperhidrosis that impacts their quality of life.

A split-face study using botulinum toxin type B to decrease facial erythema index

INTRODUCTION

A reddish tone in facial skin is a common concern of patients who suffer from facial flushing. No studies have been conducted to date for evaluation of the effect of botulinum toxin type B (BTX-B) on facial flushing.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

We evaluated the efficacy of BTX-B for improvement of facial flushing. Fifteen Korean subjects who complained of facial flushing were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to receive BTX-B injections on one side of the face, with the other side receiving saline control injections. Changes in skin tone were evaluated using an overall self-assessment and an objective mexameter.

RESULT

After treatment, this mexameter demonstrated significant improvement of erythema at 8 weeks after injections on both sides. However, according to the change in erythema index measures between the two groups, the BTX-B injection side did not show a significant decrease in objective erythema, compared with the control side. Subjective satisfaction did not differ between the treated side and the control side.

CONCLUSION

Although findings from this study suggest that BTX-B was ineffective in treatment of facial flushing, it is significant that, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on an investigator-initiated, randomized, split-face trial for evaluation of efficacy of BTX-B treatment for facial flushing.

[Hyperhidrosis of childhood and adolescence: clinical aspects and therapeutic options]

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by localized or general excessive sweating which is severe enough to be perceived as pathological. Since excessive sweating often starts in childhood and adolescence, usually in children between 6 and 16 years of age, hyperhidrosis is an important disorder for children and juveniles. This condition causes considerable disruption of both social life and educational career, leading to severe deterioration in the patient's quality of life. In addition, therapy is often challenging since many treatment modalities are not approved for children. Nonetheless, there are still effective therapeutic options for children with hyperhidrosis.