Low-laser light therapy in venous ulcer healing: a randomized clinical trial

Terapia adyuvante por luz de baja intensidad en la cicatrización de úlceras varicosas: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

to compare the effect of adjuvant low-laser light therapy versus conventional treatment alone on venous ulcer healing.

Methods:

this is a randomized clinical trial with 40 patients randomized equally to a control group (topical and compressive treatment) and intervention group (adjuvant low-laser light therapy). Outcomes of interest were Wound Healing: Secondary Intention and Tissue Integrity: Skin & Mucous Membranes, as described in the Classification of Nursing Outcomes/NOC.

Results:

groups with similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Eighty-two ulcers were assessed, with an average duration of 1 to 5 years, in 1,066 nursing consultations, with a statistically significant difference in the time and number of healed ulcers (intervention group). There was a significant improvement in the nursing outcomes under study and in eight clinical indicators.

Conclusions:

low-laser light therapy improves and reduces tissue regeneration time, contributing to advances in wound treatment.

Descriptors:
Venous Ulcer; Low-Laser Light Therapy; Wound Healing; Standardized Nursing Terminology; Outcome Assessment