Elimination of spurious absent sweat response in QSWEAT recordings

Auton Neurosci. 2019 Dec:222:102589. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2019.102589. Epub 2019 Oct 23.

Abstract

Introduction: Forearm QSWEAT recordings are occasionally absent in females, likely due to high skin resistance.

Methods: We identified consecutive subjects with no sudomotor abnormalities but absent/markedly reduced QSWEAT forearm volume, and repeated QSWEAT at the same site after gentle abrasion.

Results: QSWEAT volumes were absent for 4 subjects and markedly reduced for the other 4 (median 0.01, IQR 0-0.03). After gentle skin abrasion, repeat volumes were significantly higher for all subjects and became normal in 7 of 8 subjects.

Discussion: Skin abrasion restores QSWEAT volumes in previously absent/markedly reduced site suggesting that skin preparation using abrasion is more effective.

Keywords: Abrasion; Autonomic; QSWEAT; Recording; Skin; Sudomotor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons / physiology*
  • Female
  • Forearm / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena*
  • Sweat Glands / innervation*
  • Sweating / physiology*
  • Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic / physiology*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Young Adult