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Clinical Autonomic Research

Published in:

01-02-2019 | Review

Assessment of sudomotor function

Authors: Sylvia J. Buchmann, Ana Isabel Penzlin, Marie Luise Kubasch, Ben Min-Woo Illigens, Timo Siepmann

Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Purpose

To review the currently available literature on clinical autonomic tests of sudomotor function.

Methods

We searched PubMED/MEDLINE for articles on technical principles and clinical applications of sudomotor tests with a focus on their drawbacks and perspectives in order to provide a narrative review.

Results

The quantitative sudomotor axon reflex sweat test (QSART) is the most widely used test of sudomotor function. The technique captures pathology with low intra- and inter-subject variability but is limited by technical demands. The thermoregulatory sweat test comprises topographic sweat pattern analysis of the ventral skin surface and allows differentiating preganglionic from postganglionic sudomotor damage when combined with a small fiber test such as QSART. The sympathetic skin response also belongs to the more established techniques and is used in lie detection systems due to its high sensitivity for sudomotor responses to emotional stimuli. However, its clinical utility is limited by high variability of measurements, both within and between subjects. Newer and, therefore, less widely established techniques include silicone impressions, quantitative direct and indirect axon reflex testing, sensitive sweat test, and measurement of electrochemical skin conductance. The spoon test does not allow a quantitative assessment of the sweat response but can be used as bedside-screening tool of sudomotor dysfunction.

Conclusion

While new autonomic sudomotor function testings have been developed and studied over the past decades, the most were well-studied and established techniques QSART and TST remain the gold standard of sudomotor assessment. Combining these techniques allows for sophisticated analysis of neurally mediated sudomotor impairment. However, newer techniques display potential to complement gold standard techniques to further improve their precision and diagnostic value.

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Title: Assessment of sudomotor function
Authors: Sylvia J. Buchmann
Ana Isabel Penzlin
Marie Luise Kubasch
Ben Min-Woo Illigens
Timo Siepmann
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0959-9851
Electronic ISSN: 1619-1560
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-018-0530-2

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Assessment of sudomotor function

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Acknowledgement to Reviewers 2018

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