Laser therapy最新文献

Background and aim: We have previously reported improvement of clinical symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) at 3 and 6 months following three CO₂ laser treatments. The current paper presents the results of long term follow up at 12, 15- and 18-months post laser treatment.

Methods: Twenty subjects (mean age 60.65 ± 6.34 years) who had completed the core study participated in follow-up. Subjects were evaluated at 12, 15, and 18 months following final laser therapy. An optional maintenance treatment was offered during Month 12 and Month 15 to those women who failed to increase their Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS) by more than 34% from their individual baseline, or if the subject desired an additional treatment. At each study visit, VHIS and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) symptom severity were recorded. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results: Fifteen subjects were eligible for a single maintenance treatment (N = 2, at 12 months, and N = 13 at 15 Months). The mean VHIS (± standard deviation) remained significantly improved at 12 months following their last laser treatment (16.3 ± 4.5 vs. Baseline 12.4 ± 4.0; p < 0.05) and at the 15- and 18-months follow up visits as well (16.9 ± 4.6 and 17.1 ± 4.6, respectively; p < 0.05 compared to Baseline). Almost all VVA symptoms were significantly improved at 12 months following the third treatment compared to Baseline and this improvement was sustained at 15 and 18 months. At the 12 Months visit, the total FSFI score increased significantly (N = 15, 24.4 ± 6.9; p < 0.05), and at the 15- and 18-month follow-up visits, the total FSFI remained significantly higher than Baseline (22.2 ± 6.7, 25.8 ± 6.6).

Conclusion: Fractional CO₂ laser treatments are effective in alleviating symptoms of VVA and sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women, and that effects are sustained over the long-term.

Background and aims: The prevalence of pathogenic Escherichia coli as well as E. coli O157 and antibiotic- resistant bacteria has increased. This study aimed to examine the effect of methylene blue (MB) with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) against E. coli using photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT).

Materials and methods: MB was basified using NaHCO₃. E. coli and basic MB were smeared on the culture media followed by irradiation using a red light-emitting diode (LED) at 660 nm. Energy densities of 5, 10, 15, and 20 J/cm² were applied to the culture medium.After 24 h, the bactericidal effect of basic MB with LED irradiation was determined based on the bacterial growth.

Results: The basic effect was observed with 1%-6% of NaHCO₃ at 5 J/cm².This effect increased between 1% and 2% of NaHCO₃ at 10 J/cm² and 15 J/cm², whereas decreased at the NaHCO₃ concentrations of > 2%. Moreover, this effect decreased at an energy density of 20 J/cm². The biphasic basic effect on bactericidal activity was observed between pH 8.6-9.0.

Conclusions: Thus, PACT using basic MB may be an effective method for pathogenic E. coli sterilization.

Background and aims: Chronic pain is a significant health care problem which is often encountered in medical institute out-patient clinics . In previous studies we have reported on the benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. The present study is a report on the effects of LLLT in patients with pain in major muscles which govern the motion of two joints (2-joint muscles).

Materials and methods: Over the past 5 years, 19 subjects visited our out-patient clinic with complaints of pain in 2-joint muscles (biceps brachii muscle or gastrocnemius muscle). They were treated with LLLT using a 1000 mW semi-conductor laser device delivering 20.1 J/cm² per point at 830 nm in continuous wave. Four shots were given per session (1 treatment) twice a week for 2 months (total of 16 treatments).

Results: A treatment approach modified from the methods of Shiroto and Ohshiro, was used, and the efficacy of LLLT for pain attenuation in the affected muscle was determined. After the end of the treatment regimen, excellent and good improvement was observed in 16 patients out of 19. Discussions with the patients revealed that it was important for them to learn how to modify their everyday life to avoid posture and activities of daily life that could cause them pain in the 2-joint muscles, in order to enjoy continuous benefits from the treatment.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that LLLT was an effective form of treatment for pain in the biceps brachii and gastrocnemius muscles. To maximize and prolong treatment efficacy, advice should be given to patients to avoid adopting any posture and activities of daily living which would cause pain in these specific muscles.

Background: The aim of the study was to compare preservation of pulp vitality by indirect pulp treatment with calcium hydroxide, calcium silicate based cement (Biodentine) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in permanent molars.

Materials and methods: 30 patients were selected for this study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the age group of 6-14 years and then randomly allocated to three groups A, B & C. In group A, after caries excavation, calcium hydroxide (Dycal) was placed at the floor. In group B, after caries excavation, calcium silicate based cement (Biodentine) was placed at the floor. In group C, after caries excavation, decontamination of the cavity was done with Er,Cr:YSGG laser. This was followed by placement of permanent restorative material in all the groups. Clinical and radiographic success was monitored at 3, 6 and months. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science-21 (SPSS-21).

Results: At the end of 9 months, overall success rate of indirect pulp was 86.6%. There was no significant difference between the three groups. (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study showed that the success of indirect pulp treatment is independent of the type of liner used for pulp capping. Moreover, the study also shows that Er,Cr;YSGG laser can be effectively used for indirect pulp capping procedures.

Background and aims: Acupuncture has become a substantial part of medical practice in Switzerland. So far, only few cases of accidental tattoo after acupuncture have been reported, which were all caused by acupuncture needles that had been left in the skin and led to local argyrosis.

Case: We report the case of a 31-year-old female who developed gray-brown macules after acupuncture. Over 5 months, she had received acupuncture on the same spots one to two times per week and the macules had gradually become darker and had increased in size. The needles used were disposable, contained nickel and were not left in the skin for over 30 minutes. The patient was of Fitzpatrick skin phototype II and showed several grayish-brown macules with an average diameter of around 5mm in the region of glabella, nucha and dorsum pedis. We treated the lesions with a quality-switched ruby laser (694 nm) with a fluence between 3 and 5.5 J/cm², a spot size of 4 or 6 mm and in intervals of 8 to 23 weeks up to a complete elimination of the hyperpigmentation within 11 laser sessions.

Conclusion: In synopsis with the anamnesis, the clinical aspect and the therapeutic course, we interpreted the hyperpigmentary spots as a combination of iatrogenic tattooing with nickel and deposition of hemosiderin as well as melanin due to repeated mechanical manipulation and UV exposure of the skin. Furthermore, we hereby show the validity of the quality-switched ruby laser in the removal of accidental hyperpigmentation in skin phototype II.

Background and aims: Er:YAG laser has become optional for enamel and dentin preparation for a decade. However, it is unclear if Er:YAG laser is acceptable for enamel conditioning prior to an application of a pit-and-fissure sealant. This in vitro study thus aimed to investigate shear bond strength of a sealant to enamel etched with Er:YAG laser, as well as to demonstrate an alteration of enamel surface after the laser was applied.

Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty extracted human premolars were divided into 4 groups (N = 30 per group) in which the enamel surfaces were treated with 1) 37% phosphoric acid, 2) Er:YAG laser 80 mJ/pulse, 2 Hz, 3) Er:YAG laser 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz, and 4) Er:YAG laser 140 mJ/pulse, 2 Hz. Prior to sealant application. Shear bond strength was determined by using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA. Modification of enamel surface after laser ablation was also investigated using scanning electron microscope.

Results: Phosphoric acid-etched enamel yielded the highest shear bond strength when bonded with a sealant. Ablation of enamel with Er:YAG laser did not significantly improve sealant bonding since it demonstrated lower shear bond strength, compared to acid-etched enamel. Despite the presence of cracks after Er:YAG laser application, dissolution of enamel substances was limited.

Conclusion: Our study has shown a reduced shear bond strength of dental sealant to an Er:YAG laser-irradiated enamel, compared with phosphoric acid-etched enamel.