Efficacy of low level laser therapy on wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To study the efficacy of low level laser (LLLT) on wound healing in Diabetic Foot ulcer and to test the hypothesis that LLLT will promote early healing of Diabetic Foot ulcer. Materials and Methods: Patients attending surgical OPD and/or admitted in BLDE (DU) Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research centre, Vijayapur with diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner’s Grade I to III) during the period of November 2018-June 2020 were included in the study. A prospective comparative study was conducted with 30 patients to LLLT group (660 and 808 nm laser) and 30 patients to conventional (Saline) dressing group. All the cases were examined on day 1 and day 15. ‘Primary efficacy end point’ was complete ulcer closure. ‘Secondary efficacy end point’ include reduction in ulcer surface area over time and time to achieve ulcer closure by either skin grafting or secondary suturing. Results: Mean Age of the study group was 56.83 ± 13.8 years with 76.66 % males. Majority of the cases were known diabetic since 5 to 10 years. There was poor glycemic control among the study subjects with mean HbA1c of 8.4%. There was 42% reduction in the size of ulcer among study group. There was average of 7 days i.e. 22% reduction in hospital stay in study group, compared to control group. Three ulcers in LLLT group healed by secondary intention while none in control group. Majority of the cases, ulcer closure was achieved by split thickness skin grafting. Conclusion: Low level laser therapy in Diabetic Foot ulcers promotes early healing and reduces the hospital stay.

Keywords

• diabetic foot ulcers
• low level laser therapy
• wound healing