Long-term quantitative benefits of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.
BACKGROUND
Although axillary hyperhidrosis is readily treated with botulinum toxin, the time course of benefits is not well established.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify the long-term effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.


METHODS
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eighteen patients received intradermal injections of either 100 U BTX-A (50 U/ml/axilla) or placebo. Sweating per surface area was quantified monthly for 5 months.


RESULTS
The BTX-A group had an average reduction in sweat production of 91.6% at 2 weeks (from 5.03 ml/min/m(2) to 0.42 ml/min/m(2), P <.05). The average reduction over 5 months was 88.2%. At the end of the study, only 1 of 12 BTX-A-treated patients had returned to baseline sweat production.


CONCLUSIONS
These quantitative results demonstrate that BTX-A is a safe and effective treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis and that the benefits last for at least 5 months.
Odderson
Ib R
IR
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A