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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2012There are many pathological conditions leading to an elevated unconjugated bilirubin level (hyperbilirubinaemia) in neonates. Currently the standard therapies for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There are many pathological conditions leading to an elevated unconjugated bilirubin level (hyperbilirubinaemia) in neonates. Currently the standard therapies for unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia include phototherapy and exchange transfusion. In addition to phototherapy, clofibrate has been studied as a treatment for hyperbilirubinaemia in several countries.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of clofibrate in combination with phototherapy versus phototherapy alone in unconjugated neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.
SEARCH METHODS
Randomised controlled trials were identified by searching MEDLINE (1950 to April 2012) before being translated for use in The Cochrane Library, EMBASE 1980 to April 2012 and CINAHL databases. All searches were re-run on 2 April 2012.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included trials where neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia received either clofibrate in combination with phototherapy or phototherapy alone or placebo in combination with phototherapy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were extracted and analysed independently by two review authors (MG and HM). Treatment effects on the following outcomes were determined: mean change in bilirubin levels, mean duration of treatment with phototherapy, number of exchange transfusions needed, adverse effects of clofibrate, bilirubin encephalopathy and neonatal mortality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Studies were analysed for methodological quality in a 'Risk of bias' table.
MAIN RESULTS
Fifteen studies (two including preterm neonates and 13 including term neonates) were included in this review. All but one of the included studies were conducted in Iran. For preterm neonates, there was a significantly lower bilirubin level in the 100 mg/kg clofibrate group compared to the control group with a mean difference of -1.37 mg/dL (95% CI -2.19 mg/dL to -0.55 mg/dL) (-23 µmol/L; 95% CI -36 µmol/L to -9 µmol/L) after 48 hours. For the term neonates, there were significantly lower bilirubin levels in the clofibrate group compared to the control group after both 24 and 48 hours of treatment with a weighted mean difference of -2.14 mg/dL (95% CI -2.53 mg/dL to -1.75 mg/dL) (-37 µmol/L; 95% CI -43 µmol/L to -30 µmol/L] and -1.82 mg/dL (95% CI -2.25 mg/dL to -1.38 mg/dL) (-31 µmol/L; 95% CI -38 µmol/L to -24 µmol/L), respectively.There was a significantly lower duration of phototherapy in the clofibrate group compared to the control group for both preterm and term neonates with a weighted mean difference of -23.82 hours (95% CI -30.46 hours to -17.18 hours) and -25.40 hours (95% CI -28.94 hours to -21.86 hours), respectively.None of the studies reported on bilirubin encephalopathy rates, neonatal mortality rates, or the levels of parental or staff satisfactions with the interventions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There are insufficient data from different countries on the use of clofibrate in combination with phototherapy for hyperbilirubinaemia to make recommendations for practice. There is a need for larger trials to determine how effective clofibrate is in reducing the need for, and duration of, phototherapy in term and preterm infants with hyperbilirubinaemia.
Topics: Clofibrate; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal; Infant, Newborn; Phototherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 23235669
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009017.pub2 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2021Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, mediated by immunoglobulin E, affecting 1 in 6 individuals. The treatment aims at attaining... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, mediated by immunoglobulin E, affecting 1 in 6 individuals. The treatment aims at attaining symptomatic control with minimal side effects, a requirement for new alternative therapies, including phototherapy, as it has an immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effect.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the effectiveness of phototherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis through a meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched Web of Science, Scielo, PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, and LILACS databases, using the terms: "intranasal irradiation", "phototherapy" and "allergic rhinitis". The R software Metafor package was used for the meta-analysis and the effect size was calculated for each symptom individually.
RESULTS
All symptoms decreased considerably after phototherapy: rhinorrhea (ES• = -1.35; p < 0.0001; I = 91.84%), sneezing (ES• = -1.24; p < 0.0001; I = 91.43%), nasal pruritus (ES• = -1.10; p < 0.0001; I = 91.43%); nasal obstruction (ES• = -1.11; p < 0.0001; I = 91.88%). The effects were more significant in perennial allergic rhinitis than in the seasonal type.
CONCLUSION
Considering the effect size and the statistical significance attained in our study, rhinophototherapy showed to be an effective treatment for reducing the nasal symptom scores triggered by AR.
Topics: Humans; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Obstruction; Phototherapy; Rhinitis, Allergic; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial
PubMed: 33663975
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2020.12.016 -
The Primary Care Companion For CNS... Oct 2016Bright light therapy is a noninvasive biological intervention for disorders with nonnormative circadian features. Eating disorders, particularly those with binge-eating... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Bright light therapy is a noninvasive biological intervention for disorders with nonnormative circadian features. Eating disorders, particularly those with binge-eating and night-eating features, have documented nonnormative circadian eating and mood patterns, suggesting that bright light therapy may be an efficacious stand-alone or adjunctive intervention. The purpose of this systematic literature review, using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, was (1) to evaluate the state of the empirical treatment outcome literature on bright light therapy for eating disorders and (2) to explore the timing of eating behavior, mood, and sleep-related symptom change so as to understand potential mechanisms of bright light therapy action in the context of eating disorder treatment.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive literature search using PsycInfo and PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted in April 2016 with no date restrictions to identify studies published using bright light therapy as a treatment for eating disorders. Keywords included combinations of terms describing disordered eating (eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, binge, eating behavior, eating, and night eating) and the use of bright light therapy (bright light therapy, light therapy, phototherapy). After excluding duplicates, 34 articles were reviewed for inclusion.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION
14 published studies of bright light therapy for eating disorders met inclusion criteria (included participants with an eating disorder/disordered-eating behaviors; presented as a case study, case series, open-label clinical trial, or randomized/nonrandomized controlled trial; written in English; and published and available by the time of manuscript review).
RESULTS
Results suggest that bright light therapy is potentially effective at improving both disordered-eating behavior and mood acutely, although the timing of symptom response and the duration of treatment effects remain unknown.
CONCLUSIONS
Future research should systematically control for placebo response, assess symptom change frequently and across a broad range of systems, and evaluate the longer-term efficacy of bright light therapy for eating disorders.
Topics: Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Phototherapy
PubMed: 27835724
DOI: 10.4088/PCC.16r02008 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2010Treatments for Barrett's oesophagus, the precursor lesion of adenocarcinoma, are available but whether these therapies effectively prevent the development of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Treatments for Barrett's oesophagus, the precursor lesion of adenocarcinoma, are available but whether these therapies effectively prevent the development of adenocarcinoma, and in some cases eradicate the Barrett's oesophagus segment, remains unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To summarise, quantify and compare the efficacy of pharmacological, surgical and endoscopic treatments for the eradication of dysplastic and non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus and prevention of these states from progression to adenocarcinoma.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2004, issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2008) and EMBASE (1980 to June 2008).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing medical, endoscopic or non-resectional surgical treatments for Barrett's oesophagus. The primary outcome measures were complete eradication of Barrett's and dysplasia at 12 months, and reduction in the number of patients progressing to cancer at five years or latest time point.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the trials included in the analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
Sixteen studies, including 1074 patients, were included. The mean number of participants in the studies was small (n = 49; range 8 to 208). Most studies did not report on the primary outcomes. Medical and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and sequelae of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) did not induce significant eradication of Barrett's oesophagus or dysplasia. Endoscopic therapies (photodynamic therapy (PDT with aminolevulinic acid or porfimer sodium), argon plasma coagulation (APC) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)) all induced regression of Barrett's oesophagus and dysplasia. The data for photodynamic therapy were heterogeneous with a mean eradication rate of 51% for Barrett's oesophagus and between 56% and 100% for dysplasia, depending on the treatment regimens. The variation in photodynamic therapy eradication rates for dysplasia was dependent on the drug, source and dose of light. Radiofrequency ablation resulted in eradication rates of 82% and 94% for Barrett's oesophagus and dysplasia respectively, compared to a sham treatment. Endoscopic treatments were generally well tolerated, however all were associated with some buried glands, particularly following argon plasma coagulation and photodynamic therapy, as well as photosensitivity and strictures induced by porfimer sodium based photodynamic therapy in particular.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Despite their failure to eradicate Barrett's oesophagus, the role of medical and surgical interventions to reduce the troubling symptoms and sequelae of GORD is not questioned. Whether therapies for GORD reduce the cancer risk is not yet known. Ablative therapies have an increasing role in the management of dysplasia within Barrett's and current data would favour the use of radiofrequency ablation compared with photodynamic therapy. Radiofrequency ablation has been shown to yield significantly fewer complications than photodynamic therapy and is very efficacious at eradicating both dysplasia and Barrett's itself. However, long-term follow-up data are still needed before radiofrequency ablation can be used in routine clinical care without the need for very careful post-treatment surveillance. More clinical trial data and in particular randomised controlled trials are required to assess whether or not the cancer risk is reduced in routine clinical practice.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Barrett Esophagus; Catheter Ablation; Esophageal Neoplasms; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Laser Coagulation; Photochemotherapy; Precancerous Conditions; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 20091557
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004060.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2015Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by recurrent painful boils in flexural sites, such as the axillae and groin, that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by recurrent painful boils in flexural sites, such as the axillae and groin, that affects about 1% of the population, with onset in early adulthood.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of interventions for HS in people of all ages.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases up to 13 August 2015: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2015), MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), and LILACS (from 1982). We also searched five trials registers and handsearched the conference proceedings of eight dermatology meetings. We checked the reference lists of included and excluded studies for further references to relevant trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of all interventions for hidradenitis suppurativa.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and methodological quality and performed data extraction. Our primary outcomes were quality of life, measured by a validated dermatology-specific scale, and adverse effects of the interventions.
MAIN RESULTS
Twelve trials, with 615 participants, met our inclusion criteria. The median number of participants in each trial was 27, and median trial duration was 16 weeks. The included studies were conducted over a 32-year time period, from 1983 to 2015. A single RCT that was underpowered to detect clinically meaningful differences investigated most interventions.There were four trials of anti-TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) therapies, which included etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. Adalimumab 40 mg weekly improved the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score in participants with moderate to severe HS by 4.0 points relative to placebo (95% confidence interval (CI) -6.5 to -1.5 points), an effect size approximately equal to the DLQI minimal clinically important difference. We reduced the evidence quality to 'moderate' because the effect size was based on the results of only one study. In a meta-analysis of two studies with 124 participants, standard dose adalimumab 40 mg every other week was ineffective compared with placebo (moderate quality evidence). In a smaller study of 38 participants, of whom only 33 provided efficacy data, infliximab 5 mg/kg treatment improved DLQI by 8.4 DLQI points after eight weeks. Etanercept 50 mg twice weekly was well tolerated but ineffective.In a RCT of 200 participants, no difference was found in surgical complications (week one: risk ratio (RR) 0.78, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.05, moderate quality evidence) or risk of recurrence (after three months: RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.34, moderate quality evidence) in those randomised to receive a gentamicin-collagen sponge prior to primary closure compared with primary closure alone.RCTs of other interventions, including topical clindamycin 1% solution; oral tetracycline; oral ethinylestradiol 50 mcg with either cyproterone acetate 50 mg or norgestrel 500 mcg; intense pulsed light; neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser; methylene blue gel photodynamic therapy; and staphage lysate, were relatively small studies, preventing firm conclusions due to imprecision.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Many knowledge gaps exist in RCT evidence for HS. Moderate quality evidence exists for adalimumab, which improves DLQI score when 40 mg is given weekly, twice the standard psoriasis dose. However, the 95% confidence interval includes an effect size of only 1.5 DLQI points, which may not be clinically relevant, and the safety profile of weekly dosing has not been fully established. Infliximab also improves quality of life, based on moderate quality evidence.More RCTs are needed in most areas of HS care, particularly oral treatments and the type and timing of surgical procedures. Outcomes should be validated, ideally, including a minimal clinically important difference for HS.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Female; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Humans; Intense Pulsed Light Therapy; Laser Therapy; Male; Photochemotherapy; Phototherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 26443004
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010081.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2014Phototherapy is commonly used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice, and home-based phototherapy is now being used in certain centres. Home-based phototherapy offers... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Phototherapy is commonly used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice, and home-based phototherapy is now being used in certain centres. Home-based phototherapy offers possible advantages by avoiding prolonged hospital admissions, promoting mother-infant bonding and reducing hospitalisation costs. Potential problems include increased duration of phototherapy, increased readmission to hospital and increased risk of bilirubin encephalopathy.
OBJECTIVES
To compare exclusively home-based versus exclusively hospital-based phototherapy or a combination of home- and hospital-based phototherapy for the management of non-haemolytic jaundice in term infants up to 28 days of age. We planned to include specific subgroups for duration in hospital, method of phototherapy and criteria for readiness for discharge.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) January 2013, Issue 1, part of The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1966 to 15 February 2013), CINAHL (from 1982 to 15 February 2013) and EMBASE (from 1988 to 15 February 2013). We searched for abstracts from the Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meetings 2000 to 2013. We searched for ongoing trials on the following websites: ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov/) and Current Controlled Trials (http://controlled-trials.com/).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised studies comparing term infants who received phototherapy exclusively at home versus phototherapy exclusively in the hospital or a combination of the two for non-haemolytic jaundice.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
No studies that met the predefined eligibility criteria were identified.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
No high-quality evidence is currently available to support or refute the practice of home-based phototherapy for non-haemolytic jaundice in infants at more than 37 weeks' gestation.
Topics: Gestational Age; Home Care Services; Hospitalization; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Jaundice, Neonatal; Phototherapy; Term Birth
PubMed: 24913724
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010212.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2018Exchange transfusion and phototherapy have traditionally been used to treat jaundice and avoid the associated neurological complications. Because of the risks and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Exchange transfusion and phototherapy have traditionally been used to treat jaundice and avoid the associated neurological complications. Because of the risks and burdens of exchange transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been suggested as an alternative therapy for alloimmune hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) to reduce the need for exchange transfusion.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect and complications of IVIg in newborn infants with alloimmune HDN on the need for and number of exchange transfusions.
SEARCH METHODS
We performed electronic searches of CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Academic Search Premier, and the trial registers ClinicalTrials.gov and controlled-trials.com in May 2017. We also searched reference lists of included and excluded trials and relevant reviews for further relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of IVIg in the treatment of alloimmune HDN. Trials must have used predefined criteria for the use of IVIg and exchange transfusion therapy to be included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methods of Cochrane and its Neonatal Review Group. We assessed studies for inclusion and two review authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. We discussed any differences of opinion to reach consensus. We contacted investigators for additional or missing information. We calculated risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) for categorical outcomes. We calculated mean difference (MD) for continuous variables. We used GRADE criteria to assess the risk of bias for major outcomes and to summarize the level of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
Nine studies with 658 infants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Term and preterm infants with Rh or ABO (or both) incompatibility were included. The use of exchange transfusion decreased significantly in the immunoglobulin treated group (typical RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.49; typical RD -0.22, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.16; NNTB 5). The mean number of exchange transfusions per infant was also significantly lower in the immunoglobulin treated group (MD -0.34, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.17). However, sensitivity analysis by risk of bias showed that in the only two studies in which the treatment was masked by use of a placebo and outcome assessment was blinded, the results differed; there was no difference in the need for exchange transfusions (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.98) or number of exchange transfusions (MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.10). Two studies assessed long-term outcomes and found no cases of kernicterus, deafness or cerebral palsy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although overall results show a significant reduction in the need for exchange transfusion in infants treated with IVIg, the applicability of the results is limited because of low to very low quality of evidence. Furthermore, the two studies at lowest risk of bias show no benefit of IVIg in reducing the need for and number of exchange transfusions. Based on these results, we have insufficient confidence in the effect estimate for benefit of IVIg to make even a weak recommendation for the use of IVIg for the treatment of alloimmune HDN. Further studies are needed before the use of IVIg for the treatment of alloimmune HDN can be recommended, and should include blinding of the intervention by use of a placebo as well as sufficient sample size to assess the potential for serious adverse effects.
Topics: Anemia, Hemolytic; Anemia, Neonatal; Blood Transfusion; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Infant, Newborn; Jaundice, Neonatal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29551014
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003313.pub2 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal... Jan 2003To assess the effectiveness of high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (HDIVIG) in reducing the need for exchange transfusion in neonates with proven haemolytic disease due... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (HDIVIG) in reducing the need for exchange transfusion in neonates with proven haemolytic disease due to Rh and/or ABO incompatibility. To assess the effectiveness of HDIVIG in reducing the duration of phototherapy and hospital stay.
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing HDIVIG and phototherapy with phototherapy alone in neonates with Rh and/or ABO incompatibility.
RESULTS
Significantly fewer infants required exchange transfusion in the HDIVIG group (relative risk (RR) 0.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.47); number needed to treat 2.7 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.8)). Also hospital stay and duration of phototherapy were significantly reduced.
CONCLUSION
HDIVIG is an effective treatment.
Topics: Blood Transfusion; Erythroblastosis, Fetal; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Infant, Newborn; Length of Stay; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 12496219
DOI: 10.1136/fn.88.1.f6 -
Brain and Behavior Dec 2023In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive. This meta-analysis is the first to systematically review the effects of light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
METHODS
We searched for randomized controlled studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Database up to January 2023. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to assess the efficacy of the outcome indicators.
RESULTS
Eight studies were eventually included in the analysis. The results showed that light therapy was more effective than the placebo group in terms of depression (SMD = .34, CI = .08-.61) and sleep (SMD = .64,95%CI = .28-1.00). Subgroup analysis could not explain the significant heterogeneity. There were no serious adverse effects in either the light therapy or placebo groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Light therapy could be considered an effective treatment for depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. However, future high-quality trials with larger sample sizes are still needed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Depression; Phototherapy; Sleep Wake Disorders; Postpartum Period; Sleep
PubMed: 38031199
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3339 -
Lasers in Medical Science May 2016Lasers and light-emitting diodes are used for a range of biomedical applications with many studies reporting their beneficial effects. However, three main concerns exist... (Review)
Review
Lasers and light-emitting diodes are used for a range of biomedical applications with many studies reporting their beneficial effects. However, three main concerns exist regarding much of the low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation literature; (1) incomplete, inaccurate and unverified irradiation parameters, (2) miscalculation of 'dose,' and (3) the misuse of appropriate light property terminology. The aim of this systematic review was to assess where, and to what extent, these inadequacies exist and to provide an overview of 'best practice' in light measurement methods and importance of correct light measurement. A review of recent relevant literature was performed in PubMed using the terms LLLT and photobiomodulation (March 2014-March 2015) to investigate the contemporary information available in LLLT and photobiomodulation literature in terms of reporting light properties and irradiation parameters. A total of 74 articles formed the basis of this systematic review. Although most articles reported beneficial effects following LLLT, the majority contained no information in terms of how light was measured (73%) and relied on manufacturer-stated values. For all papers reviewed, missing information for specific light parameters included wavelength (3%), light source type (8%), power (41%), pulse frequency (52%), beam area (40%), irradiance (43%), exposure time (16%), radiant energy (74%) and fluence (16%). Frequent use of incorrect terminology was also observed within the reviewed literature. A poor understanding of photophysics is evident as a significant number of papers neglected to report or misreported important radiometric data. These errors affect repeatability and reliability of studies shared between scientists, manufacturers and clinicians and could degrade efficacy of patient treatments. Researchers need a physicist or appropriately skilled engineer on the team, and manuscript reviewers should reject papers that do not report beam measurement methods and all ten key parameters: wavelength, power, irradiation time, beam area (at the skin or culture surface; this is not necessarily the same size as the aperture), radiant energy, radiant exposure, pulse parameters, number of treatments, interval between treatments and anatomical location. Inclusion of these parameters will improve the information available to compare and contrast study outcomes and improve repeatability, reliability of studies.
Topics: Humans; Lasers, Semiconductor; Low-Level Light Therapy; Radiation Dosage; Radiometry; Reproducibility of Results; Skin
PubMed: 26964800
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-016-1914-y