Prevalence of hyperhidrosis in a population treated by beta-blocker

Introduction. Some cases of hyperhidrosis with beta-blocker therapy have be en reported in the literature. We studied the prevalence of hyperhidrosis i n a population treated by beta-blockers compared with an untreated control group. Patients and methods. Patients attending the cardiologic consultation of th e Nancy hospital were included. Past medical history and medication were co llected. Interrogation assessed whether the patient felt hyperhidrosis, and defined a hyperhidrosis score. Results. Sixty-five subjects treated by beta-blocker and 100 controls were included. 36.9 p. 100 of treated patients and 38 p. 100 of controls experie nced hyperhidrosis (P = 0.88). 23.07 and 23 p. 100, respectively, had hyper hidrosis defined by a high score of sweating (p = 0.99). Retrospectively, 8 of 24 patients experienced hyperhidrosis after the beginning of beta-block er therapy. Discussion. We observed the same prevalence of hyperhidrosis in the two gro ups. However sweat gland innervation involved both cholinergic and adrenerg ic stimulations. Furthermore, experimental studies showed an increase in sw eating on efforts with beta-blocker therapy.