Pain and Quality of life of diabetic patients with ulcers, before and after treatment with low intensity laser therapy and Hellantus Annus oil

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.201741011829

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication developed by diabetes, accounting for the high rate of mobi-mortality due to
the emergence of foot ulcers and can lead to amputations. This impacts public health and the resources related to care
expenditure. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has proven performance in the tissue repair process, and also promotes
analgesia, reduces inflammation and improves local circulation. The objective of this study was pain and quality of life
of diabetics with ulcers who underwent therapeutic intervention in the tissue repair process. 32 diabetics with ulcers
participated in 4 groups. Control group 1; Group 2 Sunflower oil, for groups 3 and 4, undergoing laser therapy of low
intensity, applied the protocol: 658 nm, 30 mW, dose 4 J / cm² over 4 weeks. Group 4 associated LLLT with sunflower oil.
Pain and quality of life were assessed using the brief pain inventory and visual analog scale. Results showed statistically
significant differences between the groups, with p <0.05. The control group showed an increase in the area of the lesion
with increased pain and a poorer quality of life, Group 2 showed stabilization in the area of ulcers without pain relief and
a slight improvement in quality of life. Groups 3 and 4 showed a reduction in ulcer area, significant pain relief (p <0.05),
and consequent improvement in quality of life, suggesting that LLLT presents itself as an important therapeutic strategy.