Histological Analysis Following Ulthera System Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

This study is a prospective, single-center, non-randomized pilot clinical trial. Subjects enrolled will include:

• those naïve to Ultherapy™ for treatment of hyperhidrosis (Group A, n=31); dual-depth treatment at 4.5mm and 3.0mm;
• those who were non-responders to a prior Ultherapy™ treatment for hyperhidrosis (Group B, n=approx 5), dual-depth treatment at 4.5mm and 3.0mm;
• those naïve to Ultherapy™ for treatment of hyperhidrosis who will receive one double-density study treatment (Group C, n=4), dual-depth treatment at 4.5mm and 3.0mm;
• those naïve to Ultherapy™ for treatment of hyperhidrosis (Group D, n=10), single-depth treatment at 2.0mm at standard energy;
• those naïve to Ultherapy™ for treatment of hyperhidrosis (Group E, n=10), single-depth treatment at 2.0mm at adjusted energy.
• Protocol amended (Sept 2014): Subjects in Groups D and E will receive treatments at the same energy setting (0.30J) and two treatment densities: Group D, 60 lines/treatment square; Group E, 40 lines per treatment square.

Ultrasound images will be captured of each axilla to assess dermal thickness and depth of sweat glands. A gravimetric measurement of sweat production and starch iodine test will be performed prior to treatment. Digital images of the starch iodine test will be obtained. Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS)scores will be obtained prior to each treatment. During treatment, the average Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score will be obtained by axilla treated. Efficacy will be determined by a reduction in the number of sweat glands from baseline to 90-days post-treatment, as evidenced by histological analysis. Subject Gravimetric results, Starch iodine results, and HDSS scores at all follow-ups compared to baseline will also be analyzed as secondary outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• Male and female, ages 18-75
• Subject is in good health
• Diagnosis of bilateral axillary hyperhidrosis refractory to previous topical therapies
• Groups A, C, D and E: At least 50 mg of spontaneous resting axillary sweat production in each axilla measured gravimetrically at room temperature / humidity (20 - 25.6°C/20-80%) over a period of 5 minutes. (Patients should be at rest for at least 30 minutes after physical exercise including walking.) Group B: A mean of >50mg/5min of sweat production following a prior Ultherapy treatment.
• A HDSS score is 3 or 4. An attempt will be made to approximate an equal number of scores 3 and 4.
• Understands and accepts the obligation not to undergo any other procedures in the areas to be treated through the follow-up period.
• Absence of physical conditions unacceptable to the investigator.
• Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent and HIPAA authorization prior to performance of any study-related procedure.
• Subjects of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test result and must not be lactating at Visit 1 and be willing and able to use an acceptable method of birth control.

Exclusion criteria

• Dermal disorder including infection at anticipated treatment sites in either axilla.
• Previous botulinum toxin treatment of the axilla in the past year.
• Expected use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of any other disease during the study period.
• Known allergy to starch powder, iodine, lidocaine, or epinephrine.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis, for example, hyperhidrosis that is secondary to other underlying diseases including hyperthyroidism, lymphoma and malaria.
• Previous surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis including sympathectomy, surgical debulking of the sweat glands, subcutaneous tissue curettage and ultrasonic surgery.
• Unwillingness to wash off deodorants and abstain use 72 hours prior to treatments or assessments.
• Subjects with a history of a bleeding disorder
• Use of cholinomimetics, anticholinergics, or any oral herbal medicine treatments for hyperhidrosis.
• Inability to withhold use of antiperspirants and deodorants, or any other topical treatments for hyperhidrosis within 72 hours prior to study treatments and assessments.
• Unwillingness for complete shaving or removal of underarm hair within 12 hours prior to study treatments and follow-up visits.
• Women who are pregnant, lactating, possibly pregnant or planning a pregnancy during the study period.
• Inability to understand the protocol or to give informed consent.