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.
Department of Dermatology, Division of Special and Environmental Dermatology, University of Vienna Medical School, Vienna, Austria.
Andreas
A
Schindl
Georg
G
Heinze
Martin
M
Schindl
Heidemarie
H
Pernerstorfer-Schön
Liesbeth
L
Schindl
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