Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A systematic review

Anju M; Saleena Ummer V; Arun G Maiya; Manjunath Hande

doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.035

Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A systematic review

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019 Jul-Aug;13(4):2667-2670. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.035. Epub 2019 Jul 13.

Authors

Anju M¹, Saleena Ummer V², Arun G Maiya³, Manjunath Hande⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. Electronic address: anju.muraleedharan@manipal.edu.
² Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. Electronic address: saleena.ummer@manipal.edu.
³ Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
⁴ Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.

PMID: 31405692
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.035

Abstract

Background: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an emerging treatment modality for management of neuropathic pain. It works by triggering biochemical changes with in cells.

Objective: This systematic review focused on finding evidence on the effectiveness of LLLT on treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane) to find the evidence on effectiveness of LLLT on treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included in the review.

Results: A total of 627 studies were screened. After the exclusion criteria (duplicate, animal studies, LLLT for treating other neuralgias) 6 studies were included in the study. The outcome measure that were considered were the difference in pain score and nerve conduction velocity test and quality of life questionnaire.

Conclusion: The evidence obtained shows LLLT has a positive effect in controlling diabetic neuropathic pain.

Publication types

Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Diabetic Neuropathies / complications*
Humans
Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
Neuralgia / etiology
Neuralgia / therapy*
Prognosis
Quality of Life*