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Endocrine Abstracts (2018) 59 EP52 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.59.EP52

Lancashire Teaching NHS Trust, Chorley, UK.


Background: Hyperhidrosis is a debilitating disease that has a significant impact on quality of life. There is limited research and gudelines on the investigations and management of hyperhidrosis.

Aims: To assess if investigations and treatment of hyperhidrosis meets NICE CKS July 2013 guidelines.

Method: The term ‘hyperhidrosis’ was used as a keyword search on an electronic patient record. Letters were restricted to those created by the department of diabetes and endocrinology. The first 50 records were analysed for: relevant investigations completed, treatments initiated and whether treatment was effective.

Results: 50 patients presented with hyperhidroisis to an endocrinology clinic over a period of 3 years and 7 months. 15 were diagnosed with secondary hyperhidrosis (30%) and 34 (68%) with idiopathic hyperhidrosis. 66% of patients referred with hyperhidrosis were female and 34% male. 74% of patients diagnosed with idiopathic hyperhidrosis were female. No patient had all investigations completed. 80%–100% had: Full blood count, Urea & electrolytes, Liver function tests, Thyroid function tests, Glucose/hba1c. 50–80% had: urinary catecholamines, FSH/LH/testosterone and a CRP. 22% had a chest radiograph. 0 patients were tested for HIV or infectious diseases. Aluminium chloride was trialled in 10% of patients and was ineffective, oxybutynin in 48% and effective in 33%, glycopyrolate in 4% and effective in 50%, propantholine in 2% and effective in 100%. Surgical intervention was not offered to any patient. 59% of patients were discharged to their GP following assessment. 10% were referred to dermatology.

Conclusion: 0.01% of all endocrinology referrals are due to hyperhidrosis. The pick up rate for secondary hyperhidrosis is 30%. Females are more likely to present with hyperhidrosis and receive a diagnosis of idiopathic hyperhidrosis.Investigations for hyperhidrosis are haphazard and variably completed despite the need to exclude secondary causes.Treatment for hyperhidrosis is poor and ineffective.

Volume 59

Society for Endocrinology BES 2018

Glasgow, UK
19 Nov 2018 - 21 Nov 2018

Society for Endocrinology 

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