O Mundo da Saúde (Jan 2017)

Pain and Quality of life of diabetic patients with ulcers, before and after treatment with low intensity laser therapy and Hellantus Annus oil

  • Maura Cristina Porto Feitosa,
  • Ana Flávia Machado de Carvalho,
  • Valrian Campos Feitosa,
  • Rauirys Alencar de Oliveira,
  • Nayana Pinheiro Machado de Freitas Coelho,
  • Veruska Cronemberger Nogueira Rebêlo,
  • Emília Ângela Loschiavo Arisawa

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 41, no. 1
pp. 18 – 29

Abstract

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Diabetic neuropathy is a complication developed by diabetes, accounting for the high rate of mobi-mortality due to the emergence of foot ulcers and can lead to amputations. This impacts public health and the resources related to care expenditure. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has proven performance in the tissue repair process, and also promotes analgesia, reduces inflammation and improves local circulation. The objective of this study was pain and quality of life of diabetics with ulcers who underwent therapeutic intervention in the tissue repair process. 32 diabetics with ulcers participated in 4 groups. Control group 1; Group 2 Sunflower oil, for groups 3 and 4, undergoing laser therapy of low intensity, applied the protocol: 658 nm, 30 mW, dose 4 J / cm² over 4 weeks. Group 4 associated LLLT with sunflower oil. Pain and quality of life were assessed using the brief pain inventory and visual analog scale. Results showed statistically significant differences between the groups, with p <0.05. The control group showed an increase in the area of the lesion with increased pain and a poorer quality of life, Group 2 showed stabilization in the area of ulcers without pain relief and a slight improvement in quality of life. Groups 3 and 4 showed a reduction in ulcer area, significant pain relief (p <0.05), and consequent improvement in quality of life, suggesting that LLLT presents itself as an important therapeutic strategy.

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