ESTIMATION OF THE SAFETY OF LOW-INTENSITY LASER RADIATION IN TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PROFESSIONAL POLYNEUROPATHIES OF THE UPPER LIMBS

The inclusion of low-intensity laser radiation in the complex treatment of professional polyneuropathies of the upper extremities, due to its numerous biological effects, contributes to a statistically significant reduction in pain in the hands of patients, and improves the conduction of nerve impulses along the peripheral nerves of the hands. In addition to describing the positive clinical and neurophysiological trends achieved during treatment, the issue of the safety of the developed therapy method is important. The aim of the study is to assess the safety of the proposed method of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) in patients with professional polyneuropathies of the upper extremities. Material and methods: on the basis of the department of occupational pathology, 116 patients (60 men, 56 women) with occupational polyneuropathies of the upper extremities were treated using LILT. Therapeutic measures were carried out using a semiconductor laser apparatus for red spectrum radiation (650 nm) with fiber-optic light guides for percutaneous therapy "ALP-01-Laton" in the sitting position of patients. Diffuse scattered laser radiation of the red region of the spectrum with an energy illumination of 0.7-1.1 mW / cm2 directly affected the projection area of the exit of the median nerve from the carpal tunnel to the hand. There were 5-10 procedures per course, the energy exposure of laser radiation and the number of sessions were determined individually. Results: To ensure the safety of the therapy, patients were included in the study strictly in accordance with the developed inclusion and non-inclusion criteria. Patients were treated in a specially equipped room with the use of personal protective equipment; safety rules were followed during the operation of the device. During treatment, all 116 patients treated with LILT did not have systemic side effects. A number of patients developed short-term complaints associated with local reactions: short-term tingling sensations and "goose bumps" in the hands, warmth, slight burning sensation, etc. All recorded local side effects occurred directly during LILT-procedures and were completely stopped within 1-5 minutes after their completion. In general, LILT-exposure did not cause serious side effects and was well tolerated by patients. 13.5% of patients noted a decrease in pain in the arms directly during the LILT treatment procedures. Conclusion. The developed method of LILT of professional polyneuropathies of the upper extremities is simple and convenient for use in clinical practice: it is applicable both in a hospital and on an outpatient basis. LILT has a limited list of contraindications, and is generally well tolerated by patients with minimal local side effects.