Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A systematic review

Background: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an emerging treatment modality for management of neuropathic pain. It works by triggering biochemical changes with in cells.Objective: This systematic review focused on finding evidence on the effectiveness of LLLT on treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.Methods: We conducted a systematic review (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane) to find the evidence on effectiveness of LLLT on treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Randomized and nonrandomized studies were included in the review.Results: A total of 627 studies were screened. After the exclusion criteria (duplicate, animal studies, LLLT for treating other neuralgias) 6 studies were included in the study. The outcome measure that were considered were the difference in pain score and nerve conduction velocity test and quality of life questionnaire.Conclusion: The evidence obtained shows LLLT has a positive effect in controlling diabetic neuropathic pain. (C) 2019 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.