Botulinum toxin type A and B improve quality of life in patients with axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis

Botulinum Toxin A and B for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis

INTRODUCTION

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by unpredictable, uncontrollable and excessive sweating. It occurs at rest and is not related to temperature. Hyperhidrosis is a common disorder that has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this quality assurance study was to investigate how treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) and botulinum toxin B (BTX-B) led to improvement of patient reported outcome measures related to QoL.

METHODS

A total of 35 patients with palmar and/or plantar hyperhidrosis who had received BTX-A (Dysport®) and BTX-B (NeuroBloc®) for palmar hyperhidrosis and BTX-B for plantar hyperhidrosis were included in this study. In total, palms were injected with a median dose (low to high) of 400 (100-550) units BTX-A and a median dose (low to high) of 200 (200-500) units. BTX-B was used in the thenar and hypothenar areas to avoid muscle weakness. In the soles a total median dose (low to high) of 600 (475-1000) units BTX-B was injected.

RESULTS

At follow-up 2 weeks post-treatment, patients' Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score improved from 13 to 2 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We found that BTX-A and BTX-B treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis and BTX-B treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis led to a substantial improvement of QoL.

Safety and efficacy of oxybutynin in patients with hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Sweating is a physiologic mechanism of human thermoregulation. Hyperhidrosis is defined as a somatic disorder where the sweating is exaggerated in an exact area because the sweat glands are hyperfunctioning. It negatively affects the quality of life of the patients. We aim to investigate patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of oxybutynin in treating hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

We prospectively registered the protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis on PROSPERO (CRD 42022342667). This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) from inception until June 2, 2022, using MeSH terms. We include studies comparing patients with hyperhidrosis who received oxybutynin or a placebo. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (ROB2) for randomized controlled trials. The risk ratio was calculated for categorical variables, and the mean difference was calculated for continuous variables using the random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 293 patients. In all studies, patients were assigned to receive either Oxybutynin or Placebo. Oxybutynin represented an HDSS improvement (RR = 1.68 95% CI [1.21, 2.33], p = 0.002). It also can improve the quality of life. There is no difference between oxybutynin and placebo regarding dry mouth (RR = 1.68 95% CI [1.21, 2.33], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that using oxybutynin as a treatment for hyperhidrosis is significant and needs to be highlighted for clinicians. However, more clinical trials are needed to grasp the optimum benefit.

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin B in Focal Hyperhidrosis: A Narrative Review

Botulinum toxin type B (BoNT-B), known as Myobloc® in the United States and as Neurobloc® in Europe, is a new therapeutically available serotype among the botulinum toxin family. During the last years several data have been reported in literature investigating its efficacy and safety, as well as defining the dosing and application regiments of BoNT-B in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Moreover, recent studies have been examining its safety profile, which may be different from those known about BoNT-A. The aim of this review is to provide information about what is currently known about BoNT-B in regards to the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis.

THE PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathichyperhidrosis is a dysfunctional disorder involving eccrine sweat glands and its impact on patients' daily quality of life is well-known. Unlike some years ago, when only poor effective and safe therapeutic alternatives were available, nowadays, several emerging pharmacological active substances have gained significant space as treatment options.

AREAS COVERED

The authors report on, in this narrative review, the emerging data from the literature focusing on the pharmacological treatments to draw up a drug treatments flow-chart for patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis, taking into consideration specific differences among axillary, palmoplantar and craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

EXPERT OPINION

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis, regardless of the site of involvement, remains a functional disorder that places a significant burden on patients. After balancing efficacy against adverse events, systemic therapy, although off-label for all forms of hyperhidrosis can represent an additive therapeutic option for patients with insufficient response to topical treatment according to a step wise therapeutic approach. Until the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hyperhidrosis are clear, and the etiological therapeutic approach become realistic, the greatest challenge in the therapeutic management of hyperhidrotic patients seems to be the search for the most convenient combination between different therapeutic modalities (topical and systemic agents, and botulinum toxins) to achieve long-term control of the disease symptoms.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Multi-center Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Neu-BoNT/A in Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin type A is widely used to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis and has proven to be an effective and safe approach. Onabotulinumtoxin A was approved by the FDA as a treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Neu-BoNT/A in subjects diagnosed with primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, gravimetric measurement of sweat, and Global Assessment Scale were analyzed at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 to determine the effect of treatment. Adverse events, physical examination, and vital signs were monitored.

RESULTS

Subjects treated with Neu-BoNT/A showed statistically significant improvement by all 3 methods at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 (P value = 0.00). There were no severe adverse events or significant changes in vital signs, physical examination, or laboratory tests.

CONCLUSION

Neu-BoNT/A can be effectively and safely used for primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Neurotoxins in Dermatology: Systematic Review

Botulinum toxin is a superfamily of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum with well-established efficacy and safety profile in focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxins have also been used in many other skin diseases, in off label regimen. The objective of this manuscript is to review and analyze the main therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins in skin diseases. A systematic review of the published data was conducted, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Botulinum toxins present several label and off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. The best-reported evidence concerns focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis, Raynaud phenomenon, suppurative hidradenitis, Hailey–Hailey disease, epidermolysis bullosa simplex Weber–Cockayne type, Darier’s disease, pachyonychia congenita, aquagenic keratoderma, alopecia, psoriasis, notalgia paresthetica, facial erythema and flushing, and oily skin. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and doses protocols for off label applications.

Botulinum toxin: Pharmacology and injectable administration for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a dermatological condition defined by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulatory needs with significant effects on patients' quality of life. Hyperhidrosis is categorized as primary or secondary: primary hyperhidrosis is mostly focal and idiopathic, whereas secondary hyperhidrosis is commonly generalized and caused by an underlying medical condition or use of medications. Various surgical and nonsurgical therapies exist for primary hyperhidrosis. Although botulinum toxin is one of the deadliest toxins known, when used in small doses, it is one of the most effective therapies for primary hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin injections are widely used as a second-line primary hyperhidrosis treatment option once topical treatment strategies have failed. This article provides an overview of the commercially available botulinum toxin formulations and their applications in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.

New trends in botulinum toxin use in dermatology

Background: Recent studies have highlighted new botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) applications in the field of dermatology. Objective: To review current knowledge of BoNT use in dermatology. Methods: The literature of the last 5 years has been reviewed. Results: We describe interesting protocols of BoNT treatment for hyperhidrosis (HH), hypertrophic scars and keloids, Raynaud phenomenon, facial flushing, oily skin, psoriasis, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cutaneous lesions like painful lesions and periorbital syringomas. Conclusions: Several skin conditions eligible for BoNT treatment have been described. After the wide application for HH treatment, scars as well as vascular and inflammatory skin disorders, oily skin and cutaneous lesions represent fields of application of BoNT.

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.

The etiology, diagnosis, and management of hyperhidrosis: A comprehensive review: Therapeutic options

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy-delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.

New trends in botulinum toxin use in dermatology

Background

Recent studies have highlighted new botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) applications in the field of dermatology.

Objective

To review current knowledge of BoNT use in dermatology.

Methods

The literature of the last 5 five years has been reviewed.

Results

We describe interesting protocols of BoNT treatment for hyperhidrosis (HH), hypertrophic scars and keloids, Raynaud phenomenon, facial flushing, oily skin, psoriasis, Hailey-Hailey disease, and cutaneous lesions like painful lesions and periorbital syringomas.

Conclusions

Several skin conditions eligible for BoNT treatment have been described. After the wide application for HH treatment, scars as well as vascular and inflammatory skin disorders, oily skin and cutaneous lesions represent fields of application of BoNT.

A comparative trial of ice application versus EMLA cream in alleviation of pain during botulinum toxin injections for palmar hyperhidrosis

Background

Botulinum toxin is a safe and effective therapy for palmar hyperhidrosis, but the associated pain from injections limits the usefulness of this method of treatment.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) cream versus ice application in alleviation of pain during botulinum toxin injections for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Methods

In this prospective study, 23 patients underwent palm Botox injections to treat their excessive sweating. In each patient, EMLA cream was applied to one palm and ice was applied directly before the injections in the other palm. Pain was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale.

Results

Statistically, there was a significant difference in pain control between EMLA cream group and ice application group (p<0.05). The average pain score on the hands where EMLA cream was applied was 8.9 (SD=0.81), whereas it was 4.8 (±0.9) in the ice group.

Conclusion

In this study, the successful use of ice application in reducing pain by 40% in comparison to EMLA cream during Botox toxin injection for palmar hyperhidrosis is demonstrated.

Injectable and topical neurotoxins in dermatology: Indications, adverse events, and controversies

The use of neuromodulators for therapeutic and cosmetic indications has proven to be remarkably safe. While aesthetic and functional adverse events are uncommon, each anatomic region has its own set of risks of which the physician and patient must be aware before treatment. The therapeutic usages of botulinum toxins now include multiple specialties and multiple indications. New aesthetic indications have also developed, and there has been an increased utilization of combination therapies to combat the effects of global aging. In the second article in this continuing medical education series, we review the prevention and treatment of adverse events, therapeutic and novel aesthetic indications, controversies, and a brief overview of combination therapies.

Safety of available and emerging drug therapies for hyperhidrosis

INTRODUCTION

Hyperhidrosis affects 4.8% of the U.S. population and has been underestimated by physicians for long time despite considerable interference with quality of life. Many patients suffer from primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis which results from over-activity of sympathetic nerves and is restricted to specific body areas, mostly the axillae, palms, soles, or head. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying disease or the intake of medications and often involves large parts of the body. Numerous effective therapies with topical or systemic drugs and surgical options are available. Areas covered: Efficacy and safety data on aluminum salts, anticholinergic drugs for topical or systemic application, and on intradermal botulinum toxin injections used to treat hyperhidrosis are critically evaluated, including data from clinical trials with focus on possible side effects and long-term complications in dispute. Expert opinion: Hyperhidrosis often responds well to available therapies. Depending on the type of hyperhidrosis treatment should be topical/local or systemic. Most of the side effects are mild, transient and easily manageable. In case of systemic treatment with anticholinergics low dosing and up-titration of medication is necessary to avoid severe adverse effects. Concerns about the promotion of breast cancer and Alzheimer disease by topical aluminum salts are unsolved.

The impact of hyperhidrosis on patients' daily life and quality of life: a qualitative investigation

BACKGROUND

An understanding of the daily life impacts of hyperhidrosis and how patients deal with them, based on qualitative research, is lacking. This study investigated the impact of hyperhidrosis on the daily life of patients using a mix of qualitative research methods.

METHODS

Participants were recruited through hyperhidrosis patient support groups such as the Hyperhidrosis Support Group UK. Data were collected using focus groups, interviews and online surveys. A grounded theory approach was used in the analysis of data transcripts. Data were collected from 71 participants, out of an initial 100 individuals recruited.

RESULTS

Seventeen major themes capturing the impacts of hyperhidrosis were identified; these covered all areas of life including daily life, psychological well-being, social life, professional /school life, dealing with hyperhidrosis, unmet health care needs and physical impact.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial impacts are central to the overall impacts of hyperhidrosis, cutting across and underlying the limitations experienced in other areas of life.

Management of hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis (HH), a condition of sweating in excess of thermoregulatory requirements, affects nearly 3% of the US population and carries significant emotional and psychosocial implications. Unlike secondary HH, primary HH is not associated with an identifiable underlying pathology. Our limited understanding of the precise pathophysiologic mechanism for HH makes its treatment particularly frustrating. However, a wide array of interventions for the treatment of HH have been implemented throughout the world. Herein, we discuss the most extensively studied therapeutic options for primary HH, including systemic oxybutynin, botulinum toxin injections, skin excision, liposuction–curettage, and sympathotomy/sympathectomy. We conclude with a discussion of possible future therapies for HH, including the applications of laser, microwave, and ultrasound technologies.

A preliminary study of painless and effective transdermal botulinum toxin A delivery by jet nebulization for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis

Background

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic disease characterized by increased sweat production. Local injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) have been extensively used for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (idiopathic). The current treatment for this condition involves several intradermal injections, resulting in poor patient compliance due to injection-related pain. Therefore, new protocols, including an improved anesthetic regimen, are required.

Aim

We designed the present study to determine whether JetPeel™-3, a medical device used for transdermal delivery of drugs by jet nebulization, could be used to deliver lidocaine prior to the standard multiple BTX-A injections or deliver lidocaine together with BTX-A in order to determine the protocol giving better results in terms of procedure-related pain, sweating, and patient satisfaction in subjects affected by primary axillary, palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) sweating score ≥ 8 cm were randomized to receive lidocaine 2% (5 mL) delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple injections of BTX-A (100 units) or lidocaine 2% (5 mL) and BTX-A (50 units) delivered together by JetPeel™-3. Effect of treatment on sweating was measured by VAS (0= minimum sweating; 10= maximum sweating) at 3-month follow-up. Pain induced by the procedure was assessed by VAS (0= minimum pain; 10= maximum pain) immediately after the procedure. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 3-month follow-up using a 5-point scale (1= not at all satisfied; 2= not satisfied; 3= partially satisfied; 4= satisfied; 5= highly satisfied).

Results

Both treatment modalities reduced sweating at 3-month follow-up, if compared with baseline (all P<0.001). Delivery of lidocaine and BTX-A by JetPeel™-3 resulted in lower procedure-related pain and reduced sweating, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple BTX-A injections (all P<0.001). Patient satisfaction with the procedure was higher in the group receiving lidocaine and BTX-A treatment by JetPeel™-3, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple BTX-A injections (P<0.001). No side effects were observed in both groups.

Conclusion

Lidocaine and BTX-A can be safely delivered together by JetPeel™-3 to treat primary palmar, plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis, resulting in lower procedure-related pain, improved sweating and higher patient satisfaction, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by standard BTX-A injection therapy. Our protocol delivering lidocaine and BTX-A together by JetPeel™-3 requires a reduced quantity of BTX-A, further supporting the use of the transdermal drug delivery by jet nebulization over standard injection therapy for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin type B for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis: a prospective, open, single-blind, multi-centre study

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a distressing and disabling condition that can produce social, psychological and occupational problems. Although the use of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been reported as an efficacious and safe intervention to improve palmar hyperhidrosis, only one study concerned botulinum toxin type B (BoNT-B) in this disorder. The aim of study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BoNT-B in treating primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Participants were injected with 5,000 IU of BoNT-B in each palm. Visual analogue test (VAS) to evaluate the intensity of decrease in sweat production, Minor's iodine starch test and measurement of paper towels' weight were used to ascertain palmar sweating at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after BoNT-B injections by a blind examiner. Thirty-two subjects (12 males, 20 females, mean age 31 ± 11) were enrolled. Significant reduction of palmar sweating was detected after BoNT-B injection: 2.9 ± 1.4, 0.3 ± 0.4, 0.9 ± 0.8, and 2.1 ± 1.5 g (p < 0.001) of paper towels' weight for the right palm at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks; and 2.8 ± 1.7, 0.5 ± 0.6, 0.8 ± 0.7, and 1.8 ± 1.25 g (p < 0.001) at same time, respectively for the left palm. Significant reduction of mean VAS values were also detected after BoNT-B injections: 8.6 ± 1.1, 0.6 ± 0.8, 3.5 ± 2.5, and 7.1 ± 2.4 (p < 0.0001) at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Mild side effects consisting in local pain and hand weakness were observed in 4 (12.5%) subjects. The findings indicated that the use of 5,000 IU BoNT-B injection in each palm was safe and significantly improved the severity of palmar hyperhidrosis.