The objective of this study is to determine if Myobloc significantly decreases prosthesis-associated symptomatic sweating in amputees when compared to a saline solution placebo. The study is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with a total enrollment of 32 amputee subjects.
Patients with amputations experience severe sweating due to sockets and liners used with fitted prostheses. This excessive sweating causes inadequate fitting and function of the prosthesis as well as discomfort. The treatment modality and techniques used are based upon a successful prior open-labeled pilot study done by this research group investigating the effect of Botulinum Toxin A (BOTOX) on residual limb hyperhidrosis, which demonstrated significant decreases in sweating in amputees with residual limb hyperhidrosis treated with BOTOX. Each subject will undergo baseline testing consisting of 15 minutes of walking on a treadmill (or using a handcycle) at light exertion (11 on the Berg scale). They will report the effect of sweating on their prosthesis fit and function over the past month, and the amount of sweat produced in the 15 minutes will be measured via gravimetric assessment. At the end of the baseline session, subjects receive either the drug or placebo by injection into the residual limb area they identify as being the most troublesome for sweating. Subjects return for a 1-month follow-up session where the questionnaire, walking test, and sweat collection are re-administered. At the one-month follow-up session, subjects who received the placebo and felt it was not successful in decreasing their sweating are given the opportunity to cross-over into the drug arm of the trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
20
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Amount of sweating
The amount of sweating will be assessed via gravimetry, which is an accepted method for determining sweating in a particular area. This method involves covering the area of the residual limb in question with filter paper for five minutes. After five minutes, the filter paper is removed and weighed. The weight of the dry filter paper is subtracted to give the approximate weight of the sweat produced. This study will use the total weight of sweat produced as a method of objectively quantifying the amount of sweating in the residual limb. Gravimetry will be used as a measure of change from pre-treatment to post-treatment.
Time frame: one month after initial injection
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.