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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:05
Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea
Published on: November 9, 2016
Botulinum toxin: a treatment for compensatory hyperhidrosis in the trunk
Won Oak Kim1, Hae Keum Kil, Kyung Bong Yoon
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. wokim@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Summary
Botulinum toxin-A injections effectively treat severe truncal sweating in compensatory hyperhidrosis patients. This treatment offers a safe, reliable option, improving quality of life, though duration and cost are limitations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neurology
- Medical Treatments
Background:
- Severe truncal compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) can occur post-sympathectomy.
- Limited effective treatments exist for this condition.
- Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) shows promise for focal hyperhidrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy, longevity, and safety of BTX-A injections.
- To assess BTX-A for severe truncal sweating in CH patients resistant to conventional therapies.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients received 100-500 U of BTX-A injections in the truncal area.
- Efficacy was measured using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS).
- Quality of life improvement was assessed via the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Main Results:
- Sweating resolved within 5 days, with a mean HDSS score improvement.
- Treatment effects lasted an average of 4.1 months (range 2-8 months).
- Significant improvement in DLQI scores was observed, indicating enhanced quality of life. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- BTX-A injection is a well-tolerated, effective, and safe treatment for severe truncal CH.
- Key disadvantages include treatment cost and limited duration of effect.
- BTX-A offers a viable therapeutic option for refractory cases.
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