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Evaluation of the low-level laser therapy application parameters for skin burn treatment in experimental model: a systematic review

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Abstract

Burn is defined as a traumatic injury of thermal origin, which affects the organic tissue. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has gained great prominence as a treatment in this type of injury; however, the application parameters are still controversial in the literature. The aims of this study were to review the literature studies that use LLLT as a treatment in burns conducted in an experimental model, discuss the main parameters used, and highlight the benefits found in order to choose an appropriate therapeutic window to be applied in this type of injury. The selection of the studies related to the theme was carried out in the main databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus in the period from 2001 to 2017). Subsequently, the articles were then chosen that fell within the inclusion criteria previously established. In the end, 22 were evaluated, and the main parameters were presented. The analyzed studies presented both LLLT use in continuous and pulsed mode. Differences between the parameters used (power, fluence, and total energy) were observed. In addition, the protocols are distinct as to the type of injury and the number of treatment sessions. Among the results obtained by the authors are the improvements in the local microcirculation and cellular proliferation; however, a study reported no effects with LLLT as a treatment. LLLT is effective in accelerating the healing process. However, there is immense difficulty in establishing the most adequate protocol, due to the great discrepancy found in the applied dosimetry values.

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Funding

We thank the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Education (CAPES).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Morphology and Pathology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rod. Washington Luis, Km 235., CEP: 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil

    Patricia Brassolatti

  2. Laboratory of Therapeutic Resources, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil

    Patricia Brassolatti, Ana Laura Martins de Andrade, Albaiza Nicoletti Otterço & Nivaldo Antônio Parizotto

  3. Research and Education Center for Phototherapy in Health Sciences (NUPEN), São Carlos, SP, Brazil

    Paulo Sérgio Bossini

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  1. Patricia Brassolatti
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  2. Ana Laura Martins de Andrade
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Correspondence to Patricia Brassolatti.

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Brassolatti, P., de Andrade, A.L.M., Bossini, P.S. et al. Evaluation of the low-level laser therapy application parameters for skin burn treatment in experimental model: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci 33, 1159–1169 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2526-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2526-5

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