THE EFFECT OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY IN THE PROCESS OF WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

THE EFFECT OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY

IN THE PROCESS OF WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

Ray Indra Wibowo, Nury Nusdwinuringtyas, Elida Ilyas, Em Yunir, Surjanto Hartono

Departement of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation , Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia/ Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract : The objective of this research is to enhance alternative of wound healing of diabetic foot ulcer using Low Level Laser Therapy, by evaluating the effect of Low Level Laser Therapy in the process of wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer. Research design using experimental clinical trial at Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Metabolic & Endocrine clinic Department of Internal Medicine and inpatient ward of Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Subject of the research are 34 patients with diabetic foot ulcer, 17 in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. Both groups are homogen in terms of age distribution, BMI, duration of Diabetic Mellitus, level of HbA1C, duration of ulceration and initial ulcer size. Intervention group had standard wound dressing with NaCl 0.9% combined with Low Level Laser stimulation of 5 Joule/cm² , twice weekly. The control group had standard wound dressing with NaCl 0.9% twice weekly. Ulcer size was evaluated weekly for the duration of 5 weeks. The outcome parameter determined by changes in ulcer size and the result is the rate of wound healing in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group. It was found that wound dressing combined with Low Level Laser stimulation, can accelerate wound healing.

Keywords : Diabetic foot, ulcer, Low Level Laser therapy