The Etiology of Primary Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review

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#animals #ganglia-sympathetic #humans #hyperhidrosis #sympathectomy

The Etiology of Primary Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review

Hashmonai et al., 2017 | Clin Auton Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Hashmonai Moshe, Cameron Alan E P, ... Licht Peter B. The Etiology of Primary Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review. Clin Auton Res. 2017-Dec;27(6):379-383. doi:10.1007/s10286-017-0456-0

Abstract

PURPOSE: Primary hyperhidrosis is a pathological disorder of unknown etiology, affecting 0.6-5% of the population, and causing severe functional and social handicaps. As the etiology is unknown, it is not possible to treat the root cause. Recently some differences between affected and non-affected people have been reported. The aim of this review is to summarize these new etiological data. METHODS: Search of the literature was performed in the PubMed/Medline Database and pertinent articles were retrieved and reviewed. Additional publications were obtained from the references of these articles. RESULTS: Some anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics (as well as enzymatic, metabolic, and neurological dysfunctions) have been observed in hyperhidrotic subjects; three main possible etiological factors predominate. A familial trait seems to exist, and genetic loci associated with hyperhidrosis have been identified. Histological differences were observed in sympathetic ganglia of hyperhidrotic subjects: the ganglia were larger and contained a higher number of ganglion cells. A higher expression of acetylcholine and alpha-7 neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit in the sympathetic ganglia of patients with hyperhidrosis has been reported. CONCLUSIONS: Despite these accumulated data, the etiology of primary hyperhidrosis remains obscure. Nevertheless, three main lines for future research seem to be delineated: genetics, histological observations, and enzymatic studies.

Key Findings

Some anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics (as well as enzymatic, metabolic, and neurological dysfunctions) have been observed in hyperhidrotic subjects; three main possible etiological factors predominate. A familial trait seems to exist, and genetic loci associated with hyperhidrosis have been identified. Histological differences were observed in sympathetic ganglia of hyperhidrotic subjects: the ganglia were larger and contained a higher number of ganglion cells. A higher expressi

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population hyperhidrosis has been reported
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Ganglia, Sympathetic
  • Humans
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Sympathectomy

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: niacin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09