Effects of low-level light therapy on dentin hypersensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the treatment efficacy of low-level light therapy on dentin hypersensitivity. Materials and methods Following the PRISMA guideline, six electronic databases supplemented with bibliographies were searched till December 2020. Two reviewers performed the screenings independently with a reliability assessment. Studies fulfilling the pre-registered eligibility criteria were included for risk-of-bias assessment and data synthesis. Results Thirty-five articles ultimately informed this systematic review based on the eligibility criteria and underwent risk-of-bias assessment (ĸ = 0.86). Quantitative results were deduced by meta-analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials: LLLT showed favourable outcomes compared to placebos for immediate (SMD: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.70), interim (SMD: 1.32, 95% CI: 0.41 to 2.23), and persistent efficacies (SMD: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.98 to 3.74). However, substantial heterogeneity existed among included studies (I2: 64–95%). Regarding comparisons with other desensitising strategies, LLLT showed no significant benefits in DH alleviation over others except fluorides for interim efficacy (SMD: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.52) and persistent efficacy (SMD: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.86). Conclusions This systematic review shows that LLLT has positive immediate, interim, and persistent DH-treatment efficacies compared with placebo. No superior treatment effects of LLLT were observed except fluoride agent use. Further studies are warranted—RCTs with low risk of bias, consistent technical settings, comprehensive assessments, and long follow-up periods. Clinical relevance This systematic review bridges a critical research gap by analysing clinical evidence in the DH-alleviating efficacy of LLLT in comparison with placebo and other in-office desensitising strategies.

A aplicação da laserterapia no tratamento de traumas mamilares: revisão de literatura

OBJETIVO: Identificar na literatura científica a aplicação da laserterapia de baixa intensidade no tratamento de traumas mamilares em puérperas. MÉTODO: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. O levantamento das publicações ocorreu no período de setembro a novembro de 2020, utilizando os descritores “low-level light therapy” e “laser therapy”, além da palavra-chave: “nipple trauma”, nas bases de dados da PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS e WEB OF SCIENCE. Após a leitura e análise dos artigos, 3 artigos foram selecionados para a amostra final. RESULTADOS: Os dados analisados compuseram dois eixos temáticos denominados: “Uso da laserterapia no alívio da dor mamilar” e “Uso da laserterapia na cicatrização de fissuras mamilares”. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação da laserterapia resultou na diminuição da dor e boa regeneração tecidual mamilar, contribuindo para manutenção do aleitamento materno.

Efeitos da laserterapia de baixa intensidade nos mecanismos celulares e moleculares em procedimentos odontológicos: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão integrativa sobre os efeitos celulares e moleculares da laserterapia de baixa intensidade (LBI) em procedimentos odontológicos. Métodos: Os descritores “Inflammation Mediators”, “Low-Level Light Therapy”, “Dentistry”, “Biomarkers”, “Clinical Trial”, “Drug Evaluation” e “Preclinical” foram aplicados no Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica (MEDLINE) via National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Science Direct e Google Scholar, interligados através de “AND/OR”. O período de 10 anos (2011 a 2021) foi utilizado sendo encontrados um total de 130 estudos que após análise apenas 15 foram incluídos. Resultados: A literatura evidencia essa terapia como promissora para diversos problemas que afetam a cavidade oral, proporcionando efeitos regenerativos no processo de cicatrização, efeitos anti-inflamatórios, reduções de quadros álgicos, desempenhando ainda um papel de suma importância na modulação de citocinas e fatores de crescimento celular em procedimentos odontológicos. Os níveis de interleucina 1 (IL-1β) foram variáveis em associação a LBI, os níveis de substancias P e matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) foram reduzidos nos grupos avaliados. Considerações finais: A LBI pode promover respostas clínicas positivas na odontologia visto a ação dos mediadores envolvidos nestes processos regenerativos, contudo, devido à escassez de estudos em alguns campos da odontologia, faz-se necessário mais pesquisas na área.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in Combination with Low-Level Light Therapy as Rescue Treatment

Background and Objectives: Evaporative dry eye disease is frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients are often unhappy because of daily drops, care burden, and suboptimal conventional treatments. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a novel device, the Eye-light®, a combination of intense pulsed light therapy and low-level light therapy, as a novel treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study carried out over a 6-week period, in which 22 eyes from 11 patients were included. Each patient received four combined light therapy treatment sessions, once weekly over 4 weeks. Patients underwent a clinical examination and filled out a standardized questionnaire to evaluate symptoms one week prior to treatment, and one week after the fourth session. Results: Combined light therapy improved several ocular surface outcome measures in our patients. This study demonstrates that this adjunctive treatment significantly improves the ocular surface and quality of life of patients with dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. Conclusions: Combined light therapy may be included in meibomian gland dysfunction treatment protocols as an adjunctive rescue treatment.

Combined Low-Level Light Therapy and Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for the Treatment of Dry Eye in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of combined intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT) in dry eye disease (DED) in patients affected by Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients and Methods. This is a monocentric, prospective, interventional study. At baseline, all the study patients (n = 20) were on tear substitute therapy and underwent Schirmer type-1 test and breakup time (BUT) test. After baseline measurements, tear substitute therapy was suspended, and patients underwent IPL and LLLT. The same investigations were carried out at one (T1) and at three (T3) months after treatment. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey was used to measure the severity of DED. Results. BUT test showed an increase in tear film breakup time in patients with DED 1 month after the beginning of the treatment (T0 vs T1: p = 0,01 ). This increase was even more statistically significant after 3 months of the IPL and LLLT treatment (T0 vs T3: p < 0.0001 ). Schirmer test values increased too, but there was not statistically significance between values at T0 and T1 or T3. The patients perceived an improvement in their condition, which resulted in a lower score on the OSDI survey. The OSDI score was lower at T1 than T0 (T0 vs T1: p = 0.0003 ), while it tended to increase again after 3 months although it was still lower than baseline (T0 vs T3: p = 0.02 ). No facial or ocular side effects were reported. Conclusions. The use of combined IPL/LLLT for the treatment of DED in patients affected by Sjögren’s syndrome appears to be beneficial.