Evaluation of quality of life (QOL) of young patients with primary hyperhidrosis (PH) before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)

Abstract

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) affects young patients and may cause emotional distress and a negative quality of life (QOL).

Objective: We sought to evaluate the QOL of children and adolescents with PH treated by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Methods: A study of 220 patients was performed, based on submitted QOL questionnaires from their first consultation. Patients were evaluated within 1 week and 24 months after surgery.

Results: Before endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, the QOL in relation to PH was declared very poor by 141 patients, and poor by the remaining 79 (P = .552). Postoperative cure was reported in 100% of palmar and axillary PH cases, and in 91.7% of facial PH. After 24 months, the QOL was described as much better by 212 patients, a little better by 6 patients, and 2 patients reported no change.

Limitations: Convenience sampling was used and patients were taken from private practice only, raising the possibility of bias in gathering the data.

Conclusion: Onset of PH symptoms was mainly before the age of 10 years and substantially affected daily activities. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy cured PH and promoted significant improvement in the QOL of these young patients.

Keywords: adolescents; children; inconvenience; primary hyperhidrosis; quality of life; thoracoscopic sympathectomy.