Low-level laser therapy in the treatment of pressure ulcers: systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLT) in pressure ulcers (PU) in humans through a systematic review of randomized studies. The search includes the databases MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Lilacs, as well a manual search until May, 2016. This included randomized clinical trials of LLT compared with other interventions, different types of LLT, LLT placebo, or control in the treatment of PU. The outcomes evaluated were the ulcer area, healing rate, and overall healing rate. The risk of bias was evaluated using the tool of the Cochrane Collaboration, and the results were analyzed descriptively. From the 386 articles identified, only four studies were included, with two LLT used with single wavelength (1: 904 nm vs. control and 2: 940 nm vs. 808 nm vs. 658 nm vs. placebo) and two LLT used to probe cluster. One study compared to different single wavelengths showed a significant 71% reduction of the PU and an improved healing rate in which 47% of PU healed completely after 1 month of therapy with the use of LLT with a wavelength of 658 nm compared with other lengths. The other analyzed wavelengths were not significant in the assessed outcomes. Significant results were observed in the use of LLT with a 658 nm wavelength, and no evidence was found for use of wavelengths above that for the treatment of PU. Therefore, we also found no evidence in the laser used to probe the cluster.Registration number: CRD42016036648.

Effect of laser therapy on expression of angio- and fibrogenic factors, and cytokine concentrations during the healing process of human pressure ulcers

“…On the one hand, it is a simple and popular tool in everyday clinical practice, on the other hand, it the level of scientific evidence is extremely poor. Referring to the latest systematic review published in 2017 9 on the use of laser therapy in patients with pressure ulcers, it can be clearly seen that there is a lack of reliable and well-done studies in this area. Machado et al in their critical review of the literature found as many as 386 articles on this subject, but only four publications met the criteria for inclusion for further analysis.…”

“…In recent years, the interest in the application of laser therapy in supporting chronic wound healing has increased 9 , 10 , 11 . However, the effectiveness and usefulness of this method has not been unequivocally confirmed so far.…”

Efficacy of phototherapy to treat facial ageing when using a red versus an amber LED: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Photobiomodulation has been extensively studied for wound healing in the medical literature, showing good results. 33–35 The effect is related to the increased proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, decrease of the inflammatory cells and formation of granulation tissue. The use of both LED and lasers has been considered effective.…”

Effects of Nd:Yag Laser on some virulence factor genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria

“…Just CO2 (carbon dioxide), the diode and the Er: YAG laser can be used for decontaminating implant surfaces from all lasers used in the field of dentistry, this is because of their bactericidal activity and because titanium is poorly absorbed in their specific wavelength [12]. Nd-yag is a type of laser that emits 1064nm in the infrared region and it used in sterilization and treatment because of its ability to kill microorganisms such as bacteria by laser photons because the water molecules inside the living cell absorb this laser significantly leads to inhibition the bacterial cell is caused by a genetic change in the DNA of the living cell, even if the dose is low [13]. The laser can impact gram negative and gram positive bacteria, the antimicrobial and bactericidal effects of laser are confirmed by several studies [14].…”