Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND. Recent studies demonstrate that botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) decreases palmar hyperhidrosis. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTX-A for palmar hyperhidrosis. METHODS. Patients (n = 19) received injections of placebo (normal saline) in one hand and BTX-A in the other. Assessments included gravimetric measurement of sweat production and physician's and patient's rating of severity. Safety evaluations included measuring grip strength. Preliminary 28-day results are reported. RESULTS. The mean percentage decrease in gravimetric measurement at day 28 was significantly greater with BTX-A versus placebo. One hundred percent of 17 patients rated the treatment as successful, while only 12% (2/17) rated placebo injection successful. Grip and hand strength were unchanged with either treatment. Only 21% (4/19) reported mild adverse events. CONCLUSION. BTX-A injections produce significant improvements in palmar hyperhidrosis without a concomitant decrease in grip or dexterity, or the occurrence of serious adverse events.