A feasibility study of a novel low-level light therapy for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Locally acting, well-tolerated treatments for systemic sclerosis (SSc) digital ulcers (DUs) are needed. OBJECTIVES:Our primary aim was to investigate the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of a novel low-level light therapy (LTTT). A secondary aim was to tentatively assess efficacy. METHODS:A custom-built device comprising infrared (850?nm), red (660?nm), and violet (405?nm) LEDs was utilized. DUs were irradiated with 10 J/cm2 twice weekly for 3 weeks, with follow-up at weeks 4 and 8. Any safety concerns were documented. Patient opinion on time to deliver, feasibility, and pain visual analogue score (VAS; 0-100, 100 most severe) was collected. Patient and clinician DU global assessment VAS were documented. DUs were evaluated by laser Doppler perfusion imaging pre- and post-irradiation. RESULTS:In all, 14 DUs in eight patients received a total of 46 light exposures, with no safety concerns. All patients considered LTTT 'took just the right amount of time' and was 'feasible', with a low associated mean pain VAS of 1.6 (SD: 5.2). Patient and clinician global DC VAS improved during the study (mean change: -7.1 and -5.2, respectively, both p?

SUBMITTER: Hughes M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6484448 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature