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Changes in electrodermal activity following sympathicotomy in hyperhidrosis patients
Ai Van Thuy Ho1,2, Eirik Øvensen2, Didrik Lilja3
1The Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Frontiers in Surgery
|March 26, 2024
Summary
Electrodermal activity (EDA) shows heightened responses in hyperhidrosis patients pre-surgery. Post-surgery, EDA palm responses are eliminated, suggesting EDA’s potential for preoperative hyperhidrosis assessment.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Hyperhidrosis significantly impacts quality of life.
- Objective preoperative assessment tools for hyperhidrosis are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate electrodermal activity (EDA) as a diagnostic tool for preoperative hyperhidrosis assessment.
- To compare EDA patterns in hyperhidrosis patients and healthy subjects.
- To analyze EDA changes after endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy (ETS).
Main Methods:
- Non-invasive EDA measurements (skin conductance) were taken from five skin areas.
- Measurements included rest (supine/sitting) and response to stimuli (deep inspiration, mental challenge, loud sound).
- 37 hyperhidrosis patients were assessed pre- and post-ETS, with 25 followed up at six months.
Main Results:
- Hyperhidrosis patients exhibited higher spontaneous palm EDA and stronger stimulus responses than controls.
- Facial/palmar hyperhidrosis patients showed minimal EDA responses, especially to mental/sound stimuli.
- Palm EDA response was abolished post-ETS, with minimal return after six months; back/abdomen showed minimal postoperative EDA.
Conclusions:
- EDA reveals distinct patterns in hyperhidrosis patients compared to healthy individuals.
- Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy effectively eliminates palm EDA responses.
- EDA measurements show promise as a preoperative diagnostic tool for hyperhidrosis.
