[Pulsed direct current iontophoresis as a possible new treatment for hyperhidrosis]. / Die gepulste Gleichstrom-Iontophorese als neue Behandlungsmöglichkeit der Hyperhidrosis.

Tap water iontophoresis with direct current represents the therapy of choice in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Side effects are minor discomfort and skin irritations. Improper use may induce iontophoretic burns at sites of minor skin injuries. The aim of this study was to find ways of minimizing side effects, increasing safety standards and reducing the technical complications of tap water iontophoresis without loss of efficacy. In a blind study, 30 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with tap water iontophoresis using pulsed direct current of 4.3 kHz or 10.0 kHz. Efficacy and side effects were compared with those of the conventional direct current method as a control. Normal sweat secretion rates of palms were found after an average of ten treatment sessions with the conventional direct current method and after twelve with pulsed direct current of 4.3 or 10 kHz. Treatment with pulsed direct current of 4.3 kHz failed to inhibit palmar hyperhidrosis in two of ten patients. Occasionally, such side effects as discomfort, skin irritation, and mild electric shock occurred when direct current was applied. Using pulsed direct current subjective sensations of discomfort and skin irritation were rare (4.3 kHz) or very rare (10 kHz). Electric shock was completely prevented. Because of the minimal side effects, despite minor loss of efficacy tap water iontophoresis with pulsed direct current can be a valuable alternative treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis.

[Modification and optimization of tap water iontophoresis]. / Modifikation und Optimierung der Leitungswasser-Iontophorese.

Tap water iontophoresis is the therapy of choice in hyperhidrosis palmoplantaris. Therapeutic regimens, however, vary greatly. The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized therapeutic scheme. The main methodologic parameters subjected to systematic experimental study included the effects of current polarity, the duration of a single treatment session, the addition of electrolytes to the tap water and the treatment interval during maintenance therapy. The following procedure is proposed. During the initial phase, treatments are carried out three times weekly for 10 min each time. The anode is kept on one extremity until normhidrosis is reached on this extremity. Then, polarity is changed until sweating is reduced to normal on the other extremity (constant polarity). In the subsequent maintenance phase, patients are treated at intervals of 6-8 days for 10 min each time. Polarity is switched from treatment to treatment (alternating polarity). Plain tap water is used without additives.

Iontophoresis with alternating current and direct current offset (AC/DC iontophoresis): a new approach for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

Tap-water iontophoresis (TWI) using direct current (DC) is the most effective therapy in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Side-effects of this method are discomfort, with burning and tingling, and skin irritation, including erythema and vesicles. Incorrect use may induce iontophoretic burns at sites of minor skin injury. Elaborate safety measures are required to prevent electric shock. The aim of this study was to minimize side-effects and to increase technical and safety standards of TWI, without loss of efficacy. In a controlled blind study, treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis by alternating current (AC) or by AC with DC-offset (AC/DC) was compared with the conventional DC method. Palmar hyperhidrosis was completely controlled after an average of 11 treatments by either AC/DC iontophoresis or the conventional DC method. Virtually no effect was seen when AC without DC-offset was used for TWI. There were no signs of cutaneous irritation, or subjective sensations of discomfort when AC with or without DC-offset was employed. AC/DC iontophoresis should become the treatment of choice for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. The mechanism of action is unknown. It is hypothesized that an interrupted stimulus-secretion-coupling leads to a functional disturbance of sweat secretion.

Ross syndrome: treatment of segmental compensatory hyperhidrosis by a modified iontophoretic device.

In 1958 the triad of tonic pupils, areflexia (Holmes-Adie syndrome), and hypohidrosis was first described by Ross. Since then more than 15 patients with a similar condition have been described. Two cases with the typical triad in combination with associated autonomic dysfunctions are presented. Subjectively, the most disturbing symptom is segmental compensatory hyperhidrosis, which results from widespread hypohidrosis or anhidrosis. For treatment of hyperhidrosis, tap water iontophoresis was applied using a modified technique with special electrodes. In both patients the hyperhidrosis was relieved after 20 treatments.

[Derivation and analyses of neuro signals from the periphery nerv system for a multi channelled prothesis (author's transl)]. / Ableitung und Analysen von Neurosignalen aus dem peripheren Nervensystem mit dem Ziel der Nutzung zur mehrkanaligen Prothesensteurerung

This publications shows new ways of prosthesis controlled by nerv action potentials. We introduce results of neurophysiological trials on animals which will be the basis for a neuroelectric prosthesis for human beings.

[Development of biologic report systems for prostheses and ortheses (author's transl)]. / Entwicklung biologischer Rückmeldesysteme für Prothesen und Orthesen

By linkage with the physiologic sensory nervous system we have tried to open up information channels for reporting back states of prostheses and ortheses. Wired surface- and subcutaneous electrodes are used. Stable and conductive contact has been observed up to 1 1/2 years. Detachment is secured but quantitative allocation to certain sensory processes is not yet possible. Future work with improved technical means and using correlation analysis is required.