Hyperhidrosis: prevalence and impact on quality of life / Hiperidrose: prevalência e impacto na qualidade de vida

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in the city of Botucatu, Brazil, and to evaluate how this disorder affects the quality of life in those suffering from it. Methods: A population survey was conducted in order to identify cases of hyperhidrosis among residents in the urban area of the city, selected by systematic cluster sampling. In accordance with the census maps of the city, the sample size should be at least 4,033 participants. Ten interviewers applied a questionnaire that evaluated the presence of excessive sweating and invited the subjects who reported hyperhidrosis to be evaluated by a physician in order to confirm the diagnosis. Results: A total of 4,133 residents, in 1,351 households, were surveyed. Excessive sweating was reported by 85 residents (prevalence = 2.07%), of whom 51 (60%) were female. Of those 85 respondents, 51 (60%) agreed to undergo medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and only 23 (45%) were diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis (prevalence = 0.93%). Of the 23 subjects diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, 11 (48%) reported poor or very poor quality of life. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of self-reported excessive sweating was greater than 2%, the actual prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis in our sample was 0.93% and nearly 50% of the respondents with primary hyperhidrosis reported impaired quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer a prevalência de hiperidrose primária no município de Botucatu (SP) e avaliar como o transtorno afeta a qualidade de vida dos seus portadores. Métodos: Foi realizado um levantamento populacional para identificar os casos de hiperidrose em moradores da região urbana da cidade, selecionados por amostragem sistemática de conglomerados. O número amostral de 4.033 participantes foi calculado usando os mapas censitários do município. Dez entrevistadores aplicaram um questionário que avaliou a presença de transpiração excessiva e convidaram os sujeitos que referiram hiperidrose para uma entrevista com um médico para a confirmação do diagnóstico. Resultados: Foram pesquisados 1.351 domicílios, com 4.133 moradores. Desses, 85 queixaram-se de sudorese excessiva (prevalência = 2,07%), sendo 51 (60%) do gênero feminino. Dos 85 indivíduos, 51 (60%) concordaram receber avaliação médica para confirmar o diagnóstico, e apenas 23 (45%) apresentaram hiperidrose primária (prevalência = 0,93%). Dos 23 indivíduos diagnosticados com hiperidrose primária, 11 (48%) referiram qualidade de vida ruim ou muito ruim. Conclusões: Embora as queixas de transpiração excessiva tenham sido superiores a 2%, a prevalência real de hiperidrose primária em nossa amostra foi de 0,93% e o distúrbio afetava a qualidade de vida em quase 50% dos indivíduos.

Epidemiologic analysis of prevalence of the hyperhidrosis

Abstract: Background: The present paper aims to study the prevalence of the various manifestations of hyperhidrosis in patients who sought treatment in a specialized ambulatory in the state of São Paulo. Objectives: Opposite to previous studies, this paper studies the different combinations of sweating sites, not being restricted to the main complaint site of the patients, but taking into consideration secondary complaints patients may present. Methods: This was a retrospective approach of a database containing more than 1200 patients in which were mapped: combination of sweating sites, age of onset, age spectrum, mean age, body mass index and gender of patients. Patients were categorized into four groups based on their main sweating site - palmar, plantar, axillary and facial. Results: We concluded that hyperhidrosis appears frequently in more than one site, being the main complaint that affects the most patients palmar hyperhidrosis, which appears early in the patients during adolescence. When there are two sites of sweating, the most frequent combination is palmar + plantar, and when there are three sites of sweating the most frequent combinations are palmar + plantar + axillary and axillary + palmar + plantar. Study limitations: This research has casuistics limited to a single care service for patients with hyperhidrosis. Conclusion: It is necessary to keep in mind that the disease manifests itself mainly in more than one location, with different intensities in each of the patients, generating a significant impairment of their quality of life.

Research of primary hyperhidrosis in students of medicine of the State of Sergipe, Brazil

AbstractBACKGROUND:Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweat production occurs at 2.9-9% of the population.OBJECTIVE:To estimate the prevalence and disorders due to primary hyperhidrosis (HP) in medicine students in the state of Sergipe.METHODS:Cross-sectional study using individual interviews.RESULTS:Hyperhidrosis was found in 14.76% of subjects, the most affected regions were palmar, plantar and axillary, causing prejudice in daily activities. Family history occurred in 45% and 22.72% was diagnosed by a physician.CONCLUSION:The prevalence of hyperhidrosis in medicine students of Sergipe was high, with strong family and a small portion of diagnoses made by medical professionals.

Hiperidrose na cidade de Botucatu prevalência, orientação, tratamento e qualidade de vida / Hyperhidrosis in the city of Botucatu: prevalence, cousehing, treatment and quality of life

Hiperidrose é um distúrbio caracterizado pela secreção inapropriada e excessiva de suor. Sua etiologia pode ser primária (HP) ou idiopática e secundária (HS) a outras desordens e sua prevalência não é bem definida. Estabelecer a prevalência da hiperidrose na cidade de Botucatu- Brasil. Orientar os pacientes quanto à patologia e suas prováveis formas de tratamento e avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à HP. Foi realizado um inquérito populacional para identificar os casos de hiperidrose em indivíduos maiores de cinco anos, moradores na zona urbana da cidade de Botucatu, localizados por intermédio de amostragem sistemática de conglomerados. Foi calculado um número amostral de 4.033 participantes, utilizando-se os mapas censitários da cidade; a seguir, foram sorteadas quadras de cada setor para obter-se os domicílios. Dez entrevistadores previamente treinados foram responsáveis por aplicar um questionário que avaliou a presença de sudorese excessiva. Após análise dos questionários os indivíduos que referiram hiperidrose foram entrevistados por um médico para confirmação ou não do diagnóstico. Todos os indivíduos foram orientados e, caso houvesse indicação, o tratamento foi oferecido. Foram visitados 1.351 domicílios totalizando 4.113 moradores, sendo 2.150 (52,3%) do gênero feminino. A idade variou de cinco a 97 anos (média ± DP = 38,3 ± 21,2). Oitenta e cinco indivíduos (2,07%) queixavam-se de suor excessivo, sendo 51 (60%) do gênero feminino com idade variando de cinco a 72 anos (média ± DP = 33,9 ± 17,3). O efeito psicossocial mais frequente devido à sudorese foi o constrangimento, e o fator predisponente mais frequente foi o nervosismo. Cinquenta e um indivíduos (60%) concordaram em receber a visita médica para a confirmação do diagnóstico...

The hyperhidrosis is characterized by the excessive sweating and its etiology can be primary or idiopathic (PH) and secondary (SH) to other diseases but its prevalence is not well defined. To establish the PH prevalence in the city of Botucatu- Brazil. To perform orientation related to the pathology and its probable forms of treatment and evaluate the quality of life related to PH. A population survey was performed in order to identify the cases of hyperhidrosis in individuals aged over five years, residents in Botucatu urban area and selected by cluster systematic sampling. A sample number of 4,033 participants was calculated using the Census maps from the city and a selection of blocks in each sector was carried out in order to obtain the households. Ten previously trained interviewers were responsible for applying a questionnaire that evaluated the presence of excessive sweating. After the questionnaires analysis the individuals that referred hyperhidrosis were interviewed by a physician in order to confirm the diagnosis. All subjects were instructed and the treatment was offered in case of indication. 1,351 households were surveyed with a total of 4,113 residents, in which 2,150 (52.3%) were female. The age ranged from five to 97 years (average ± MD = 38.3 ± 21.2). Eighty-five individuals complained about excessive sweating (2.07% prevalence); 51 female (60%), anging from five to 72 years (average ± MD = 33.9 ± 17.3). The most frequent psychosocial effect related to excessive sweating was the embarrassment whereas the most frequent predisposing factor was nervousness. Fifty-one individuals (60%) agreed to receive medical evaluation in order to confirm the diagnosis. Twenty-three (45%) had PH (0.93% prevalence), 15 (29.4%) had SH caused by obesity as well as menopause or thyroid disorder and 13 (25.5%) individuals had normal sweating...

Prevalência de hiperidrose entre estudantes de medicina / Prevalence of hyperhidrosis among medical students

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência de hiperidrose entre os estudantes de Medicina de Manaus/AM. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal, do tipo inquérito que analisou a prevalência de hiperidrose primária entre os alunos de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Amazonas e sua relação com o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e o stress. Os alunos foram pesados e entrevistados. Utilizou-se questionários com perguntas preconizadas pela International Hyperhidrosis Society, para relacionar a hiperidrose com as atividades diárias de cada pessoa. A análise dos resultados se deu com o cálculo da razão de prevalências e do intervalo de confiança. RESULTADOS: Entre os 293 estudantes analisados, verificou-se que um total de 16 (5,5 por cento) estudantes apresentavam sudorese excessiva dificilmente tolerável ou intolerável, interferindo em suas atividades diárias. Nenhum apresentava causas conhecidas de hiperidrose e 50 por cento possuíam história familiar. Em todos o acometimento foi bilateral, sendo os locais mais afetados: mãos (35,7 por cento), pés (21,4 por cento), axila (17,9), rosto (10,7 por cento), costas (7,1 por cento), tórax (3,6 por cento) e abdome (3,6 por cento). Não houve predomínio em relação ao sexo, idade ou IMC. Encontrou-se relação positiva com o IMC evidenciando sobrepeso e obesidade, sendo observado uma razão de prevalências de 2,48 superior em relação aos estudantes com peso normal ou abaixo do peso. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de hiperidrose primária entre os estudantes de Medicina de Manaus/AM foi de 5,5 por cento, existindo uma relação positiva não estatística com o sobrepeso e a obesidade. Foi constatada ainda uma relação observacional com o stress.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of hyperhidrosis among medical students of Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an observational, transversal, survey which examined the prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis among medical students of the Federal University of Amazonas and its relation to body mass index (BMI) and stress. Students were weighed and interviewed. We used questionnaires with questions recommended by the International Hyperhidrosis Society to relate hyperhidrosis to the daily activities of each person. Results were given by calculating the prevalence ratios and confidence intervals. RESULTS: Among the 293 students examined, it was found that a total of 16 (5.5 percent) students had barely tolerable or intolerable excessive sweating, interfering with daily activities. None had known causes of hyperhidrosis and 50 percent had family history. In all suffering from the condition the disease was bilateral, the mainly affected locations being: hands (35.7 percent), legs (21.4 percent), axilla (17.9), face (10 7 percent), back (7.1 percent), chest (3.6 percent) and abdomen (3.6 percent). There was no predominance regarding gender, age or BMI. We found a positive relationship with BMI and observed a prevalence ratio of 2.48 higher in overweight students than in normal weight or underweight ones. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis among medical students of Manaus was 5.5 percent. There is a positive non-statistical relationship with overweight and obesity. It was further noted an observational relationship with stress.

An Epidemiological Study of Hyperhidrosis Patients Visiting the Ajou University Hospital Hyperhidrosis Center in Korea

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of perspiration in excess of the body's physiologic need and significantly impacts one's occupational, physical, emotional, and social life. The purpose of our study was to investigate the characteristics of primary hyperhidrosis in 255 patients at Ajou University Hospital Hyperhidrosis Center from March 2006, to February 2008. Information collected from the medical records was: sex, sites of hyperhidrosis, age at visit, age of onset, aggravating factors, hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS) rank, family history, occupation, and past treatment. A total of 255 patient records were reviewed; 57.6% were male. Patients with a family history (34.1%) showed a lower age of onset (13.21+/-5.80 yr vs. 16.04+/-9.83 yr in those without family history); 16.5% had previous treatment, most commonly oriental medicine. Palmar and plantar sites were the most commonly affected, and 87.9% of patients felt their sweating was intolerable and always interfered with their daily activities. Our study provides some original information on the Korean primary hyperhidrosis population. Patients who have a family history show signs of disease in early age than those without family history.

Prevalência de hiperidrose em uma amostra populacional de Blumenau - SC, Brasil / Prevalence of hyperhidrosis in the adult population of Blumenau-SC, Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: A hiperidrose é um distúrbio pouco conhecido, caracterizado pela produção excessiva de suor. Manifesta-se sob várias formas, afetando áreas como axilas, mãos, pés e face. Seus sintomas trazem prejuízos para o paciente, desde limitações no trabalho até constrangimento social e transtornos psicológicos. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste trabalho é estimar a prevalência de hiperidrose na cidade de Blumenau. MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi realizada entre 21 de agosto e 1o de setembro de 2006, nos terminais urbanos de Blumenau: SC, entrevistando-se 500 pessoas abordadas de forma aleatória. RESULTADOS: Dentre os entrevistados, 45 deles, que correspondem a 9 por cento do total, preencheram os requisitos mínimos para serem classificados como portadores de hiperidrose. A faixa etária mais acometida foi entre 18 e 30 anos (11,8 por cento). O número de portadores de hiperidrose do sexo masculino foi maior em números tanto absolutos quanto relativos. A característica mais prevalente foi frequência de hiperidrose ao menos uma vez por semana, encontrada em 91,11 por cento dos afetados; a menos prevalente foi cessação de suor durante o sono, presente em 37,77 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Observa-se que a prevalência de hiperidrose em Blumenau é maior que a encontrada em outras pesquisas semelhantes, não evidenciando raridade na presente amostra.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is a little known disorder, characterized by excessive production of sweat. Hyperhidrosis may occur under several circumstances and appears in body parts like armpits, hands, feet, and face, consequently causing problems to the patient like job limitation, social embarrassment, and psychological damage. OBJECTIVES: Using these theoretical views as a starting point, the study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hyperhidrosis in Blumenau. METHODOLOGY: Utilizing interviews, the research was conducted with 500 subjects randomly approached, in the period ranging from August 21 to September 1st, 2006. RESULTS: 45 respondents (9 percent) matched the pre-requisites, being classified as hyperhidrosis patients. The age group most affected was from 18 to 30 years (11.8 percent). Hyperhidrosis was more frequent among men both in absolute (24 men against 21 women) and relative numbers (10.62 percent of men against 7.66 percent of women). The most prevalent characteristic was "at least one occurrence per week", in 91.11 percent of patients; the least prevalent occurrence was "cessation of sweat during sleep", in 37.77 percent of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that the prevalence of hyperhidrosis in Blumenau is higher when compared with other studies, thus indicating that it is not a rare phenomenon.

Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy: characteristics, prevalence and influence on patient satisfaction / Hiperhidrose compensatória após simpatectomia toracoscópica: características, prevalência e influência na satisfação do paciente

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed at investigating predictive factors for compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy. METHODS: From 2000 to 2002, 80 patients (53 females and 27 males) underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy to treat hyperhidrosis. Patient ages ranged from 12 to 56 years, and the mean post-operative follow-up period was 42.51 ± 5.98 months. Patient satisfaction with the results was evaluated through the use of a rating scale. The procedure was performed bilaterally: at the T2 level for facial hyperhidrosis; at the T3-T4 level for axillary hyperhidrosis; and at the T3 level for palmar hyperhidrosis. RESULTS: Post-operatively, 68 patients (85.0 percent) presented compensatory sweating, which was classified as mild in 23 (33.8 percent), moderate in 23 (33.8 percent) and severe in 22 (32.4 percent). Considering the final surgical results, 70 patients (87.5 percent) were satisfied with the outcome of the operation, whereas 10 patients (12.5 percent) were dissatisfied. The level of patient satisfaction varied according to gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and extent of denervation. The compensatory sweating was more severe on the abdomen and back than on the legs. CONCLUSIONS: Although compensatory sweating, which is a common adverse effect of sympathectomy, occurred in the majority of cases, the level of patient satisfaction was high. The best candidates for thoracoscopic sympathectomy are young adult women with a BMI < 24.9 kg/m².

OBJETIVO: Este estudo prospectivo visou investigar fatores preditivos para a hiperidrose compensatória após a simpatectomia toracoscópica. MÉTODOS: De 2000 a 2002, 80 pacientes (53 mulheres e 27 homens), com idade entre 12 e 56 anos, foram submetidos à simpatectomia toracoscópica para o tratamento de hiperidrose e acompanhados em média por 42,51 ± 5,98 meses. A satisfação destes pacientes quanto aos resultados do procedimento foi aferida por meio de uma escala de avaliação. O procedimento foi executado bilateralmente: no nível de T2 para a hiperidrose facial; de T3 e T4 para a hiperidrose axilar; e de T3 para a hiperidrose palmar. RESULTADOS: No período pós-operatório, 68 pacientes (85,0 por cento) apresentaram hiperidrose compensatória, que foi classificada como leve em 23 (33,85 por cento), moderada em 23 (33,8 por cento) e grave em 22 (32,4 por cento). Quanto aos resultados da cirurgia, na avaliação dos pacientes, 70 deles (87,5 por cento) se consideraram satisfeitos, enquanto 10 pacientes (12,5 por cento) disseram estar insatisfeitos. O grau de satisfação do paciente variou de acordo com o sexo, a idade, o índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e a extensão da operação. A hiperidrose compensatória foi mais intensa no abdome e dorso do que nas pernas. CONCLUSÕES: Embora a hiperidrose compensatória seja um efeito adverso frequente após a simpatectomia, o grau de satisfação dos pacientes foi elevado. Os melhores candidatos para simpatectomia toracoscópica são mulheres adultas jovens com IMC < 24,9 kg/m².

Twenty months of evolution following sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhidrosis: sympathectomy at the T3 level is better than at the T2 level

OBJECTIVE: To compare two surgical techniques (denervation levels) for sympathectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopy to treat palmar hyperhidrosis in the long-term. METHODS: From May 2003 to June 2006, 60 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were prospectively randomized for video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T2 or T3 ganglion level. They were followed for a mean of 20 months and were evaluated regarding their degree of improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis and its evolution over time, and quality of life. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases presented resolution of the palmar hyperhidrosis. One case of therapeutic failure occurred in the T3 group. Most of the patients presented an improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis, without any difference between the groups. Twenty months later, all patients in both groups presented some degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis but with less severity in the T3 group (p = 0.007). Compensatory hyperhidrosis developed in most patients during the first month after the operation, with incidence and severity that remained stable over time. An improvement in quality of life was seen starting from the first postoperative evaluation but without any difference between the groups. This improvement was maintained until the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were effective for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. The most frequent complication was compensatory hyperhidrosis, which presented stable incidence and severity over the study period. Sympathectomy at the T3 level presented compensatory hyperhidrosis with less severity. Nevertheless, the improvement in quality of life was similar between the groups.

Cirugía de la hiperhidrosis en Cuba: los primeros 5 casos / Surgery of hyperhydrosis in Cuba: the first 5 cases

La hiperhidrosis es un trastorno primario caracterizado por la sudación excesiva y afecta con mayor frecuencia las palmas de las manos. Puede tomar además la cara, las axilas, las regiones inguinales, las plantas de los pies o cualquier otra región del cuerpo. Se recoge una incidencia del 0,6 por ciento al 1 por ciento en la población occidental, pero puede llegar al 4 por ciento en los países subtropicales. En Cuba no existen estudios al respecto. La enfermedad se puede clasificar topográficamente como generalizada o simétrica cuando afecta una región bien definida del cuerpo y asimétrica cuando toma una zona no bien definida. Se relizaron las primeras 5 intervenciones quirúrgicas en Cuba de pacientes con hiperhidrosis severa refractaria a tratamiento médico. La técnica utilizada fue la simpaticotomía preganglionar desde T-2 hasta T-4. Se obtuvo un 90 por ciento de curacióncon dicha técnica(AU)

The hiperhidrosis is a primary dysfunction characterized by the excessive sudación and it affects with more frequency the palms of the hands. He/she can also take the face, the armpits, the regions inguinales, the plants of the feet or any other region of the body. An incidence is picked up from 0,6 percent to 1 percent in the western population, but it can arrive to 4 percent in the subtropical countries. In Cuba studies don't exist in this respect. The illness you can classify topographically as widespread or symmetrical when it affects a very defined region of the body and asymmetric when he/she takes an area as soon as defined. You relizaron the first 5 surgical interventions in Cuba of patient with refractory severe hiperhidrosis to medical treatment. The used technique was the simpaticotomía preganglionar from T-2 until T-4. 90 percent of technical this curacióncon was obtained(AU)