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Published on: November 9, 2016
Prospective open-label study of botulinum toxin type A in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis: effects on functional
Nowell Solish1, Antranik Benohanian, Jonathan W Kowalski
1Sunnybrook and Women's Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. n.solish@utoronto.ca
Background:
Patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis experience substantial functional impairment and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Few studies have comprehensively evaluated the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) on these symptoms.
Objective:
To prospectively assess the effects of BoNT-A on functional impairment associated with primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
Methods:
Patients treated with BoNT-A 50 U per axilla at baseline were assessed 4 and 12 weeks later. Outcome measures included functional impairment as assessed by the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale and the Hyperhidrosis Impact Questionnaire and dermatology-specific HRQOL as assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index.
Results:
At weeks 4 and 12 after BoNT-A treatment, 85% and 90% of patients achieved the a priori definition of treatment responder. Patients reported less occupational and emotional impairment, spent less time managing their hyperhidrosis, and had fewer difficulties in social situations. Adverse events were uncommon (5.5%), were mild, and did not require treatment. At study end, 53% of patients reported no dermatology-specific HRQOL impairment and 90% were satisfied with treatment.
Conclusions:
Significant, meaningful, rapid, and durable reductions in disease severity and functional impairment, as well as improvements in HRQOL, were seen following BoNT-A treatment. BoNT-A was safe and well tolerated, producing high levels of patient satisfaction.