Characterizing sweating problems in multiple sclerosis: insights from QSART, SUDOSCAN, and COMPASS-31: Sweating Problems in Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize sweating issues in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) using the Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART) and SUDOSCAN.

METHODS

In 75 pwMS, sweating symptoms were evaluated using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31). Sweating function was assessed with QSART and SUDOSCAN.

RESULTS

Symptomatic sweating problems were observed in 22 (29.3 %) pwMS. Pathological results of the QSART (sudomotor index (SI) >0) were identified in 13 (17.3 %) pwMS, while SUDOSCAN results showed pathology in 8 (10.7 %) pwMS. We found a positive correlation between the QSART volume of the foot and the SUDOSCAN electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) results for the corresponding leg (r = 0.282, p = 0.015). pwMS with cervical spinal cord lesions had higher ESC values for the hand mean, left, and right (69.88±12.84 vs 76.15±9.29, p = 0.022; 69.88±12.82 vs 76.22±9.36, p = 0.021; and 70.33±13.00 vs 76.52±9.27, p = 0.024; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

People with MS frequently experience sweating problems. Using various methods to identify sweating issues in pwMS reveals differences in the causes of these problems in pwMS.