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Residual Limb Hyperhidrosis and RimabotulinumtoxinB: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Paul F Pasquina1, Briana N Perry2, Aimee L Alphonso2
1Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|January 27, 2016
Summary
RimabotulinumtoxinB (BoNT/B) effectively reduced residual limb sweating in amputees. While BoNT/B improved sweat reduction, it did not impact pain or prosthetic function compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Clinical Trials
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hyperhidrosis in residual limbs is a common complication for amputees.
- Excessive sweating can negatively impact prosthetic use and patient comfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rimabotulinumtoxinB (BoNT/B) in treating hyperhidrosis in the residual limbs of individuals with amputation.
- To compare BoNT/B treatment with a placebo for managing residual limb sweating.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted.
- Nine male participants with lower limb amputations received either BoNT/B or placebo injections in their residual limbs.
- Sweat production was measured using gravimetric analysis after physical exertion; prosthetic function and pain were secondary outcomes.
Main Results:
- 100% of participants receiving BoNT/B achieved a ≥50% reduction in sweat production, compared to 50% in the placebo group.
- Objective sweat reduction was significantly greater in the BoNT/B group (-72.7%) versus the placebo group (-32.7%).
- No significant changes were observed in phantom limb pain or residual limb pain in either group.
Conclusions:
- RimabotulinumtoxinB (BoNT/B) is an effective treatment for reducing sweat production in individuals with residual limb hyperhidrosis.
- BoNT/B treatment did not demonstrate an effect on pain or perceived prosthetic use.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing and long-term effects of BoNT/B for amputation-related hyperhidrosis.
