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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Oct 19;14(1):24537.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-74430-4.

Efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrronium bromide in treating axillary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Amr Elrosasy  1 , Mohamed Abo Zeid  2 , Raghad Samha  3 , Hazim Alkousheh  4 , Shirin Cadri  5 , Nina Cadri  5 , Doaa Mashaly  6 , Aya Ehab  7 , Lava Abdullah  8 , Esraa M AlEdani  9
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrronium bromide in treating axillary hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Amr Elrosasy et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Hyperhidrosis (HH), characterized by excessive sweating, poses a significant challenge to patients' quality of life. This meta-analysis evaluates the safety and efficacy of topical glycopyrronium bromide (GBP) in treating primary hyperhidrosis, a chronic condition affecting various body regions. Despite its prevalence, primary axillary hyperhidrosis is often undertreated due to a lack of awareness and social stigma.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing GBP to a placebo in primary hyperhidrosis patients. Eligibility criteria included outcomes related to perspiration suppression and symptom improvement.

Results: Four RCTs involving 1401 patients were included. GBP significantly increased Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) responders (RR = 2.33, 95% CI [1.99 to 2.74], p < 0.00001) and Axillary Sweating Daily Diary (ASDD/ASDD-C) responders (MD = 3.07, 95% CI [2.32 to 4.06], p < 0.002) without significantly causing adverse events. Dermatology life quality index was also significantly improved in the GBP group (MD = -2.32, 95% CI [-3.09, -1.55], P < 0.00001).

Conclusion: GBP demonstrated effectiveness in reducing sweat production while improving HDSS and DLQI scores. Adverse events included dry mouth and anticholinergic effects. Dry eye and local skin reactions were not significant, which makes GBP promising in managing primary hyperhidrosis, offering improvements in symptoms and quality of life. While adverse events should be considered, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is warranted for comprehensive clinical integration.

Keywords: Adverse events; Glycopyrronium Bromide; Hyperhidrosis; Meta-analysis; Quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow chart.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Summary of assessment of risk of bias.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Forest plot for HDSS responders.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Forest plot for Proportion of ASDD/ASDD-C responders.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Forest plot for Sweat production (SP) responder rate.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Forest plot for HDSS.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Forest plot for Dermatology life quality index (DLQI).
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Forest plot for Sweat production.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Forest plot for TEAEs.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Forest plot for drug related TEAEs.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Forest plot for dry mouth.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Forest plot for dry eye.
Fig. 13
Fig. 13
Forest plot for anticholinergic adverse events.
Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Forest plot for local skin reaction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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