Journal of Drugs in Dermatology April, 2003
The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with hyperhidrosis before and after treatment with botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A). Three-hundred and twenty adult patients with persistent, bilateral primary axillary hyperhidrosis sufficient to interfere with the activities of daily life were enrolled from 17 European dermatology centers. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects either received BTX-A 50 U to each axilla or they received the placebo vehicle.
Outcome measures were assessed using the Hyperhidrosis Impact Questionnaire (HHIQ) and the Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 12-Health Survey (SF-12). Patients completed the HHIQ at baseline, and at all scheduled visits: week 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16. The questionnaire assesses impact items such as the effect of hyperhidrosis on employment and productivity, daily frequency of bathing and clothing changes, and daily time spent treating hyperhidrosis. The emotional impact of hyperhidrosis and limitations in daily life and leisure activities are also assessed. The patients QOL was also assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire which addresses patient's views about their general health, physical activity, emotional health, bodily pain and social functioning.
At baseline, participants generally reported a marked negative impact of hyperhidrosis on their quality of life (including emotional status and limitations in participating in daily and social activities). Those patients who had received BTX-A showed a statistically significant improvement in their quality of life as compared to the placebo group. Results were seen as early as one week following initiation of therapy and continued for 16 weeks post-treatment. This study supports the belief that hyperhidrosis causes considerable disruption in a patient's personal and professional life and treatment with BTX-A markedly improves quality of life for these patients.
Naumann MK, Hamm H, Lowe NJ. Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Quality of Life Measures in Patients with Excessive Axillary Sweating: A Randomized Controlled Trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2002; 147:1218-1226.
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COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
