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Monochromatic phototherapy in elderly patients: a new way of treating chronic pressure ulcers?
Dehlin O, Elmstahl S, Gottrup F
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 2003 Jun;15(3):259-263
clinical trial
2/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: No. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Monochromatic pulsating light may have effects of importance for wound healing, and promising results were obtained in an open study on the healing of pressure ulcers, which motivated the present study. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four in and outpatients with grade II and III ulcers were treated with monochromatic pulsating light or placebo over the ulcerated area, according to a specific therapeutic program. RESULTS: No significant effects were observed in the total material. In a subanalysis of grade II ulcers, there was a tendency toward better healing in the monochromatic light group (p = 0.06). A significantly larger reduction in pressure ulcer size was noted among patients in the treatment group with low body weight (BMI < 20). CONCLUSIONS: Monochromatic pulsating light may have effects on pressure ulcer healing, and a new study focusing only on grade II ulcers is under way.

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