Effect of low-level laser therapy versus negative pressure wound therapy on pressure ulcers

Author: 
Khaled A Alkheder, Intsar S Waked, Maged Mohamed Ismail and Nancy H. Aboelnour

Background: Pressure ulcers are a potential problem in intensive care patients, their prevention and treatment is a major issue in care. Pressure ulcers are considered to be a largely preventable problem, and yet despite extensive training and the expenditure of a large amount of resources, they persist. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the difference in the effect between negative pressure therapy and low level laser therapy on Pressure ulcers healing. Methods: Forty-five patients diagnosed with pressure ulcer patients (grade II or III), their ages ranged from 45 to 65 years, were assigned randomly in to three groups of equal number. Group A: received the LLLT treating the ulcer according to the grid technique 90 seconds for every centimeter square of the ulcer surface with 10 minutes as the total time of the session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks and the traditional medical care. Group B: received the Vacuum assisted closure therapy: Initial cycle; continuous mode for first 2 days. Subsequent cycle; intermittent mode (5min. ON: 2min. OFF). With target pressure: -125mmHg, daily for 4 weeks and the traditional medical care. Group C received only the traditional medical care. for 4weeks.Wound surface area and wound volume were assessed by Wound Desk Smart app and sterile gel respectively pretreatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Results: There were significant decrease in wound surface area and wound volume in all groups (p < 0.001). However higher statistical results were achieved in NPWT group, as wound surface area and volume decreased in NPWT group by 37,24%, and 43,9% respectively while in LLLT group decreased by 21,46% and 33,58% respectively, on the other side the control group exhibits reduction only by 9,45% , and 22,7% respectively. Conclusion: Both negative pressure therapy and LLLT have fruitful effects in pressure ulcer healing evidenced by the significant decrease of wound volume and surface area, however higher statistical improvement was reported in the negative pressure therapy.

Paper No: 
3951