Certain kinds of photobiomodulation therapy, light therapy using non-ionizing light sources such as lasers and light-emitting diodes, are effective in treating pressure ulcers among the elderly, which is good news for providers and, of course, their patients.
Those were the findings of Brazilian researchers, who reviewed five previous studies examining the use of various wavelengths, laser parameters and methodologies to establish the most effective approach.
Photobiomodulation therapy with the use of a laser at 658nm and 4J/cm — emitting a low level of red wavelength light — led to complete wound healing when compared to lasers using an infrared 990nm or 808nm wavelength.
“PBMT(658nm) was effective in promoting healing when compared to standard care,” the team reported online in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology.
“Laser can be a therapy of choice in the treatment of pressure ulcers, since no evidence has been found to refute its clinical application.”
However, the researchers reported the time to complete wound healing and area reduction were not significantly greater than closure with standard care.
From the November 2019 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
