Systemic effects of low-intensity laser irradiation on skin microcirculation in patients with diabetic microangiopathy.
Low-intensity laser irradiation has been shown to induce wound healing in conditions of reduced microcirculation, which is in part explained by systemic effects. We therefore investigated such a potential systemic effect of low-intensity laser irradiation on skin blood circulation in patients with diabetic microangiopathy. Patients with diabetic microangiopathy were randomized to receive either a single helium-neon (HeNe, 632.8 nm) low-intensity laser irradiation with a dose of 30 J/cm(2) or a sham irradiation over the forefoot region in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Skin blood circulation by means of temperature recordings over forefoot regions was detected by infrared thermography. Following a single transcutaneous low-intensity laser irradiation, a rise in skin temperature in both feet of the subjects in the laser group was noted, whereas in both feet of the subjects in the placebo group a drop in skin temperature occurred. The baseline-adjusted skin temperature 15 min after the end of the irradiation was significantly higher in the laser-treated forefeet compared to the placebo-"treated" forefeet (p < 0.0001); the baseline-adjusted difference in the temperature was 1.94 +/- 0.35 degrees C. Simultaneously, the baseline-adjusted skin temperature was significantly higher in the laser-untreated forefeet compared to the placebo-"untreated" forefeet (P < 0.0001); the baseline-adjusted difference was 1.70 +/- 0.33 degrees C. Our data show a significant increase in skin circulation due to athermic laser irradiation in patients with diabetic microangiopathy and point to the possibility of inducing systemic effects.
Schindl
Andreas
A
Department of Dermatology, Division of Special and Environmental Dermatology, University of Vienna Medical School, Vienna, Austria.
Heinze
Georg
G
Schindl
Martin
M
Pernerstorfer-Schön
Heidemarie
H
Schindl
Liesbeth
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001831:Body Temperature; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply; D006371:Helium; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000528:radiation effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009356:Neon; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins; D006371:Helium; D009356:Neon