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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Dawn CraigORCiD
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Background Hyperhidrosis is uncontrollable excessive sweating, which occurs at rest, regardless of temperature. The symptoms of hyperhidrosis can significantly affect quality of life. Objectives To undertake a systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and safety of treatments available in secondary care for the management of primary hyperhidrosis. Methods Fifteen databases (including trial registers) were searched to July 2016 to identify studies of secondary care treatments for primary hyperhidrosis. For each intervention randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included, where available; where RCT evidence was lacking, non-randomised trials or large prospective case series were included. Outcomes of interest included disease severity, sweat rate, quality of life, patient satisfaction and adverse events. Trial quality was assessed using a modified version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results were pooled in pair-wise meta-analyses where appropriate, otherwise a narrative synthesis was presented. Results Fifty studies were included in the review; 32 RCTs, 17 Non-RCTs and one case series. Studies varied in terms of population, intervention and methods of outcome assessment. Most studies were small, at high risk of bias and poorly reported. The interventions assessed were iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections (BTX), anticholinergic medications, curettage and newer energy based technologies that damage the sweat gland. Conclusions The evidence for the effectiveness and safety of treatments for primary hyperhidrosis is limited overall, and few firm conclusions can be drawn. However, there is moderate quality evidence to support the use of BTX for axillary hyperhidrosis. A trial comparing BTX with iontophoresis for palmar hyperhidrosis is warranted.
Author(s): Wade R, Llewellyn A, Jones-Diette J, Wright K, Rice S, Layton AM, Levell NJ, Craig D, Woolacott N
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology
Year: 2018
Volume: 179
Issue: 3
Pages: 599-608
Print publication date: 01/09/2018
Online publication date: 24/03/2018
Acceptance date: 06/03/2018
ISSN (print): 0007-0963
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2133
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16558
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16558
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