CLINICAL EVALUATION OF A DOUBLE-PASS MICROWAVE DEVICE FOR TREATING AXILLARY HYPERHIDROSIS AND BROMHIDROSIS

ABSTRACT Objectives: Microwave thermolysis (MWT) is a permanent treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis/osmidrosis. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the miraDry system for axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis using a double-pass protocol. The results were assessed by using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Subjects and methods: 50 adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis and/or bromhidrosis were enrolled in the study. All participants were treated using microwave devices with double-pass protocol. The efficacy of treatment for hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis was evaluated using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS: 1-4), Odor Scale (OS: 1-10), respectively. Additionally, the overall Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI: 1-30) and patient satisfaction were assessed. Safety was evaluated by documenting early and late complications. Subjects were followed for up to six months post-treatment. Results: At baseline, patients reported significant sweating and odor, both of which negatively impacted on their quality of life. At the 6-month follow-up 96% of patients had an HDSS score of 1 or 2 (p < 0.001). The DLQI score significantly decreased from a median of 21 to 2.5, with a median 11 points reduction (p < 0.001). The Odor Scale (OS) score was reduced from a median of 7 to 2 on both sides (p < 0.001). All patients experienced transient effects in the treatment area, such as swelling, hematoma and pain. No severe and/or permanent adverse events were seen after 6 months. Conclusions: Microwave thermolysis using a double-pass protocol is an effective and safe treatment method for axillary hyperhidrosis and/or bromhidrosis. *Corresponding author: Son Hong Nguyen, MD, PhD; email: tomsonnguyen@gmail.com Received 4 July 2024 Reviewed 21 August 2024 Accepted 31 October 2024