Treatment Of Axillary Hyperhidrosis Research Articles

Prise en charge de l’hyperhidrose axillaire idiopathique

Hyperhidrosis is considered as an handicap which affects around of 2.8% of the population. It is linked to an extreme, permanent and symetric production of sweating because of an hyperactivity of sweat glands independant of thermo regulation process. The treatment by botulinum toxin has completely changed the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. It is an easy, quick, efficient treatment which improved quality of life of these patients. This treatment can also be used for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis but it requires regional anesthetic technics, so it is done to the hospital.

Durability of Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Botulinum toxin injection effectively treats axillary hyperhidrosis. Durability estimates of 3-14 months, based on self re-referral may overestimate duration. Our objective was to determine treatment durability by active follow-up of patients. Audit of current practice. Patients presenting with severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis were actively followed up for 24 months after intradermal injections of Botulinum Toxin A (Dysport 120 units/axilla). A 10-point Likert Scale (1=worst imaginable symptoms, 10=absolute resolution) and the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Score (HDSS) were used at 1 day and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. We offered re-treatment when symptoms returned to the pre-intervention state. We treated 45 patients with a mean age of 29 (15-49) years of whom 36 (78%) were women. The median pre-treatment Likert score (i.q.r.) of 3 (2-3) improved to 10 (10-10) on day 1. Scores at 3 (n=44), 6 (n=43) and 12 (n=39) months were 10 (10-10), 8 (7.5-10), and 7 (5-8) respectively. The median 24-month score was 3 (3-6) for 35 patients, including 11 patients with scores >/=6 who have not required re-treatment. HDSS scores followed a similar pattern. Axillary botulinum toxin treatment is durable. Patients experience gradual return of symptoms between 6 and 24 months. A minority do not require re-treatment at this time.

ASSESSMENT: BOTULINUM NEUROTOXIN IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTONOMIC DISORDERS AND PAIN (AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW): REPORT OF THE THERAPEUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY

Objective: To perform an evidence-based review of the safety and efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the treatment of autonomic and urologic disorders and low back and head pain. Methods: A literature search was performed including MEDLINE and Current Contents for therapeutic articles relevant to BoNT and the selected indications. Authors reviewed, abstracted, and classified articles based on the quality of the study (Class I–IV). Conclusions and recommendations were developed based on the highest level of evidence and put into current clinical context. Results: The highest quality literature available for the respective indications was as follows: axillary hyperhidrosis (two Class I studies); palmar hyperhidrosis (two Class II studies); drooling (four Class II studies); gustatory sweating (five Class III studies); neurogenic detrusor overactivity (two Class I studies); sphincter detrusor dyssynergia in spinal cord injury (two Class II studies); chronic low back pain (one Class II study); episodic migraine (two Class I and two Class II studies); chronic daily headache (four Class II studies); and chronic tension-type headache (two Class I studies). Recommendations: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) should be offered as a treatment option for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and detrusor overactivity (Level A), should be considered for palmar hyperhidrosis, drooling, and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia after spinal cord injury (Level B), and may be considered for gustatory sweating and low back pain (Level C). BoNT is probably ineffective in episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headache (Level B). There is presently no consistent or strong evidence to permit drawing conclusions on the efficacy of BoNT in chronic daily headache (mainly transformed migraine) (Level U). While clinicians’ practice may suggest stronger recommendations in some of these indications, evidence-based conclusions are limited by the availability of data. Neurology ® 2008;70:1707–1714

Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis/Bromidrosis Using VASER Ultrasound

Current methods of treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis and/or bromidrosis are palliative (use of topical aluminum chloride or injections of botulinum toxin type A) or surgically based for more permanence (excisional surgery, endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy, liposuction/curettage). The surgical approaches have mixed effectiveness and incur the risk of significant side effects and complications. Thirteen patients (3 males, 10 females) with significant axillary hyperhidrosis and/or bromidrosis were recruited, treated with the VASER ultrasound, and followed for 6 months. Preoperative assessment of the impact of hyperhidrosis and/or bromidrosis on lifestyle and the degree of sweat/odor were completed. Postoperative assessment of changes relative to lifestyle and degree of sweat/odor reduction and patient and surgeon satisfaction were completed. Eleven of 13 patients had significant reduction in sweat/odor and had no recurrence of significant symptoms at 6 months. Two patients had a reduction in sweat/odor but not to the degree desired by the patients. No significant complications were noted. A simple amplitude and time protocol was established that provides consistent and predictable therapy. The complete procedure takes less than 1 h to treat two axillae using local anesthetic. The VASER is safe and effective for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis/bromidrosis. The method is minimally invasive with immediate return to basic activities and only temporary minor restriction of arm movement. At 6 months the treatment appears to be long-lasting, but further follow-up is required for verification of permanence. This method has become the standard of care for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis/bromidrosis in the authors' practice.

Sustained Benefit Lasting One Year from T4 Instead of T3-T4 Sympathectomy for Isolated Axillary Hyperhidrosis

INTRODUCTIONLevel T4 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy proved superior to T3-T4 treatment for controlling axillary hyperhidrosis at the initial and six-month follow-ups of these patients.OBJECTIVETo compare the results of two levels of sympathectomy (T3-T4 vs. T4) for treating axillary sudoresis over one year of follow-up.METHODSSixty-four patients with axillary hyperhidrosis were randomized to denervation of T3-T4 or T4 alone and followed prospectively. All patients were examined preoperatively and were followed postoperatively for one year. Axillary hyperhidrosis treatment was evaluated, along with the presence, location, and severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis and self-reported quality of life.RESULTSAccording to patient reports after one year, all cases of axillary hyperhidrosis were successfully treated by surgery. There were no instances of treatment failure. After six months, compensatory hyperhidrosis was present in 27 patients of the T3-T4 group (87.1%) and in 16 patients of the T4 group (48.5%). After one year, all T3-T4 patients experienced some degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis, compared to only 14 patients in the T4 group (42.4%). In addition, compensatory hyperhidrosis was less severe in the T4 patients (p < 0.01). Quality of life was poor before surgery, and it improved in both groups at six months and one year of follow-up (p = 0.002). There were no cases of mortality, no significant postoperative complications, and no need for conversion to thoracotomy in either group.CONCLUSIONBoth techniques were effective for treating axillary hyperhidrosis, but the T4 group showed milder compensatory hyperhidrosis and greater patient satisfaction at the one-year follow-up.

Axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis treated by ultrasonic surgical aspiration compared with transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy

Background Axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) and/or osmidrosis (AO) are characterized by excessive sweating and/or malodor that originate from axillary sweat glands. The condition often causes emotional, social, and professional embarrassment. Although there have been various therapeutic modalities, none has proved entirely satisfactory. In this report, we compared the results of 2 minimally invasive therapeutic modalities (transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy [TES] and ultrasonic surgical aspiration [USA]) in terms of efficacy and complications and demonstrated which is the better choice of treatment of AH and AO. Methods In the past years, we have treated patients of AH and/or AO with TES by electrocoagulation of T2 and T3 segment of the thoracic sympathetic trunk. On the other hand, we treated patients with AH and/or AO by using USA with endoscopic confirmation for adequate removal of axillary secretion glands and subcutaneous fat. Results During the past 7 years, 20 patients with AH and/or AO were treated with TES, in which AH obtained adequate relief but AO with only partial alleviation. Only 2 patients showed clinical significant recurrence in 2 years' follow-up. About one half of the patients were complicated with compensatory hyperhidrosis. From May 2005 to April 2006, 55 patients with AO and/or AH were treated with USA. Most patients (91%) obtained adequate relief of AH and AO with minimal wound complications. In the 1-year follow-up, no clinical recurrence was encountered except 2 patients who belonged to the early series of this study. Conclusion Based on our clinical experience with the 2 therapeutic techniques (TES and USA), USA is direct removal of local target tissue (secretion glands) and can avoid major wound complications. It has been proven that USA is more logical and effective than TES, which is less effective and often complicated with unwanted compensatory hyperhidrosis. Ultrasonic surgical aspiration aided with endoscopic confirmation is a minimally invasive technique and is considered as the treatment of choice for AO and/or AH.

Utilidad de la simpatectomía videotoracoscópica bilateral en el tratamiento de la hiperhidrosis esencial

Essential, idiopathic, or primary hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating in certain areas of the body due to factors unrelated to other disease. Clinical presentation can be categorized as palmar, plantar, axillary, or craniofacial. Medical treatment (aluminium salts, iontophoresis, anticholinergic drugs, and 2-agonists) is of questionable effectiveness. Intradermal injections of botulinum toxin are very effective for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Surgical treatment involves resection (sympathectomy) or electrocautery (sympathicolysis) of the thoracic sympathetic chain, or compression of the sympathetic chain with clips, in all cases via video-assisted thorascopic surgery. One or more ganglia between T2 and T5 are usually resected depending on the area affected by hyperhidrosis: T2 for craniofacial hyperhidrosis, T3 and T4 for palmar hyperhidrosis, and T3 to T5 for combined palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. The technique is very useful and is effective in those patients with primary hyperhidrosis who have not responded to conservative treatment.

Effect of Quilting Sutures on Hematoma Formation after Liposuction with Dermal Curettage for Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Effect of Quilting Sutures on Hematoma Formation after Liposuction with Dermal Curettage for Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Assessment: Botulinum neurotoxin in the treatment of autonomic disorders and pain (an evidence-based review) [RETIRED

To perform an evidence-based review of the safety and efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the treatment of autonomic and urologic disorders and low back and head pain. A literature search was performed including MEDLINE and Current Contents for therapeutic articles relevant to BoNT and the selected indications. Authors reviewed, abstracted, and classified articles based on the quality of the study (Class I-IV). Conclusions and recommendations were developed based on the highest level of evidence and put into current clinical context. The highest quality literature available for the respective indications was as follows: axillary hyperhidrosis (two Class I studies); palmar hyperhidrosis (two Class II studies); drooling (four Class II studies); gustatory sweating (five Class III studies); neurogenic detrusor overactivity (two Class I studies); sphincter detrusor dyssynergia in spinal cord injury (two Class II studies); chronic low back pain (one Class II study); episodic migraine (two Class I and two Class II studies); chronic daily headache (four Class II studies); and chronic tension-type headache (two Class I studies). Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) should be offered as a treatment option for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and detrusor overactivity (Level A), should be considered for palmar hyperhidrosis, drooling, and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia after spinal cord injury (Level B), and may be considered for gustatory sweating and low back pain (Level C). BoNT is probably ineffective in episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headache (Level B). There is presently no consistent or strong evidence to permit drawing conclusions on the efficacy of BoNT in chronic daily headache (mainly transformed migraine) (Level U). While clinicians' practice may suggest stronger recommendations in some of these indications, evidence-based conclusions are limited by the availability of data.

Cooling by Frozen Gel Pack as Pain Relief During Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis with Botulinum Toxin A Injections

Botulinum toxin A injection is a well-described efficacious treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. Although considered a safe treatment, many patients experience pain during injections. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether cooling by frozen gel packs applied in the axilla for 5 min before treatment could reduce pain. Thirty-six patients with axillary hyperhidrosis were included in this randomized, open-label prospective study, in which patients were their own controls. Pain was assessed before, during (four times), and immediately after treatment, using a numeric rating scale. The patients experienced statistically significant pain reduction, of 14-19%, in areas cooled by frozen gel pack (p<0.01). However, the clinical relevance of this relatively small pain reduction is questionable.

Effect of Quilting Sutures on Hematoma Formation after Liposuction with Dermal Curettage for Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Liposuction provides further reduction of axillary sweating and malodor when combined with dermal curettage with sharp rasping cannulas. This aggressive approach is associated with relatively higher rate of hematoma formation when compared to the conventional simple liposuction. The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of quilting sutures on the incidence of hematoma formation after liposuction-curettage for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (AH). The trial randomized 59 male patients (118 axillae) undergoing liposuction-curettage for AH to quilting procedures (61 axillae) or control group (57 axillae) for intention-to-treat analysis. Outcome measures included the incidence of hematoma formation, operative time, degree of postoperative pain, and amount of analgesics consumption. Quilting sutures significantly reduced the incidence of axillary hematoma from 28.1% to 4.9%. Quilting was associated with the lengthening of operative time but did not affect the postoperative pain. Considering its efficacy in reducing postoperative hematoma, quilting is recommended in combination with aggressive liposuction-curettage procedure for treating AH and osmidrosis.

Subdermal Nd-YAG Laser for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a common but difficult-to-treat condition with major social, labor, and emotional consequences. The aim of this study is to present the Nd-YAG laser as a safe and effective option for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. From January 2002 to April 2007, 17 patients (15 women and 2 men) with axillary hyperhidrosis were treated using a subdermal 1,064-nm Nd-YAG laser. The results were evaluated by the patients as well as by the physician. The objective evaluation was realized by Minor's iodine starch test combined with planimetry. Histology was performed in axillary skin after the laser treatment. The subdermal laser-assisted axillary hyperhidrosis treatment using a 1,064-nm Nd-YAG laser resulted in significant clinical improvement. The treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis using the 1,064-nm Nd-YAG laser has the advantage of a minor invasive procedure without leaving large scars and causing temporary impairment. The laser proved to be effective and safe. Although the laser treatment has shown promising results in this pilot trial, further studies are necessary for final conclusions. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Focal Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Local intradermal injection of botulinum toxin Type A has become a recognized treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. This study has investigated the efficacy of this method of treatment in terms of symptom-free interval between treatments and patients' satisfaction. We also investigated the reliance on patients' subjective assessment of the recurrence of symptoms in determining the timing of repeat injections. All patients referred to our clinic between May 2001 and December 2005 with a diagnosis of focal primary axillary hyperhidrosis were included in this study. Data were collected prospectively in a standard proforma. Every patient received a questionnaire to complete over a 4-week period. The questionnaire included visual analogue scales for periprocedural pain, degree of dryness, satisfaction, regret, and complications. Final symptom-free interval was recorded when the patient requested a repeat injection. The data were recorded on a spreadsheet and analyzed using standard statistical methods. A total of 52 consecutive patients and 238 axillary injections were analyzed. The symptom-free interval ranged from 3 to 14 months with a median of 5.97 months. There were no significant complications from this treatment modality. A total of 97% of the patients were highly satisfied with only 1 patient regretting the treatment. Botulinum toxin Type A is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. Timing of repeat injections as determined subjectively by patients is comparable to studies using colorimetric and gravimetric techniques to quantify the severity of sweating prior to the administration of repeat injections. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Tumescent Suction Curettage in the Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Experience in 63 Patients

Tumescent Suction Curettage in the Treatment of Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Experience in 63 Patients

Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A reconstituted in lidocaine or in normal saline: a randomized, side-by-side, double-blind study

Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A reconstituted in lidocaine or in normal saline: a randomized, side-by-side, double-blind study

Usefulness of Bilateral Sympathectomy Using Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery in the Treatment of Essential Hyperhidrosis

Essential, idiopathic, or primary hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating in certain areas of the body due to factors unrelated to other disease. Clinical presentation can be categorized as palmar, plantar, axillary, or craniofacial. Medical treatment (aluminium salts, iontophoresis, anticholinergic drugs, and alfa-2-agonists) is of questionable effectiveness. Intradermal injections of botulinum toxin are very effective for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Surgical treatment involves resection (sympathectomy) or electrocautery (sympathicolysis) of the thoracic sympathetic chain, or compression of the sympathetic chain with clips, in all cases via video-assisted thorascopic surgery. One or more ganglia between T2 and T5 are usually resected depending on the area affected by hyperhidrosis: T2 for craniofacial hyperhidrosis, T3 and T4 for palmar hyperhidrosis, and T3 to T5 for combined palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. The technique is very useful and is effective in those patients with primary hyperhidrosis who have not responded to conservative treatment.

Repeat liposuction-curettage treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis is safe and effective

Repeat liposuction-curettage treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis is safe and effective

Repeat liposuction-curettage treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis is safe and effective

Liposuction-curettage (LC) is an effective surgical therapy option for axillary hyperhidrosis, with less scarring compared with radical excision of axillary skin. Although this method has proven to be effective, the treatment of nonresponders to minimally invasive surgery has not been previously defined. Whether these patients benefit from a second surgical procedure has not been evaluated so far. To investigate efficacy and side-effects of a second LC with an aggressive rasping cannula in patients with insufficient prior surgery. Nineteen nonresponders to prior LC (13 female and six male) underwent a second LC with a rasping cannula. Gravimetry was performed before and 8 months after surgery. Side-effects, patient satisfaction, the surgeons' intraoperative evaluation and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) before and after surgery were documented. Sweat rates showed a reduction of 69% in 17 (89%) patients. Two patients (11%) did not respond to surgery. Eighty-four per cent of all patients were completely satisfied or satisfied with postoperative results. No severe side-effects were observed. The surgeon reported slightly increased difficulties during dissection of dermis from subcutaneous fat in three patients. Assessment of scars showed an excellent aesthetic outcome (mean VSS 0.79 before vs. 1.1 after surgery). LC using an aggressive cannula is an effective therapy option for patients with insufficient response to prior LC surgery, with a low risk of side-effects.

Treatment of Focal Hyperhidrosis

Focal hyperhidrosis is not rare, affecting over 2.5% of the population. This condition is often socially and professionally debilitating, leading to significant quality of life impairment. It most commonly involves the axillae, palms, soles, and face. To review hyperhidrosis and discuss and compare the treatment options currently available. Topical or systemic therapies may be helpful for patients with mild disease. Invasive surgical options, although often effective, are limited by complications. More recently, botulinum toxin injection has proven to be a safe and successful treatment for hyperhidrosis and results in high patient satisfaction. Botulinum toxin A (Botox, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) is currently approved in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other countries for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and is routinely used off-label for other anatomic sites.

Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A reconstituted in lidocaine or in normal saline: a randomized, side-by-side, double-blind study

Botulinum toxin type A represents a safe and effective treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. One of the most troublesome disadvantages associated with this therapy is pain at the injection sites. Reconstitution of botulinum toxin A in a solution of lidocaine could be an easy alternative procedure to reduce the discomfort associated with those injections. However, the current recommendations are that botulinum toxin A should be reconstituted in normal saline. To compare the efficacy and tolerance profile of saline-diluted botulinum toxin A and lidocaine-diluted botulinum toxin A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis. In a double-blind, side-by-side, controlled, randomized clinical trial, 29 patients were injected with 100 mouse units of botulinum toxin A (Botox); Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, Westport, Ireland) reconstituted in lidocaine into one axilla and with the same dosage of the toxin, reconstituted in an equal volume of saline, into the other axilla. The patients were followed up for 8 months. Quantification of sweat production was performed by iodine-starch tests and by the patients' own rating of sweating. The intensity of pain associated with the botulinum toxin intracutaneous injections was self-assessed by the patients and was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Botulinum toxin A diluted in normal saline and botulinum toxin A diluted in lidocaine were similarly effective in terms of control of onset of sweat production, duration of effect and subjective percentage of mean decrease in sweating. Both treatments were well tolerated, and there were no lasting or severe adverse effects. However, the mean +/- SD pain score during the procedure was significantly lower in the axillae treated with lidocaine-reconstituted botulinum toxin than in the axillae treated with saline-reconstituted botulinum toxin (29.3 +/- 20.1 vs. 47.5 +/- 24.0; P = 0.0027). Short- and long-term results show the equal effectiveness of botulinum toxin A reconstituted in saline or in lidocaine. However, because injections of botulinum toxin A reconstituted in lidocaine are associated with significantly reduced pain, lidocaine-reconstituted botulinum toxin A may be preferable for treating axillary hyperhidrosis.