Efficacy of seasonal allergic rhinitis using an 810 nm diode laser system.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Allergic rhinitis annually reach epidemic proportions in Japan. Approximately 30 to 40% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis during the spring season. Symptoms comprise rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and sneezing accompanied by irritation and itching of the eyes. The Ohshiro Clinic started using the conventional Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in 1993, and from 2005 we started using a diode laser-pumped Nd:YAG laser. From 2010, we adopted a novel 810 nm diode laser, and the present retrospective study examined the efficacy rate of the treatment of allergic rhinitis in the 2018 season with this system, compared with a previous study in 2011. We aimed to confirm the degree of improvement for each symptom to evaluate effectiveness of the diode laser treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 8, 2018 and April 30, 2018, a large number of patients consulted our clinic with the major complaint of seasonal allergic rhinitis. They underwent a blood test, and the antigen-specific serum IgE antibody titers were measured for a definitive diagnosis of cedar pollinosis. A total of 211 target patients were treated during the trial period. The average age of the target group was 36.3 years, 134 males, and 77 females. The target patients were treated with lower nasal turbinate mucosal irradiation using a diode laser (ADL-20, Asuka Medical) delivering 810 nm at 7.5 W, with a total energy per treatment of 240 J/cm2. We adopted a five-step evaluation in accordance with the Japanese Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis 2014 for the symptoms of rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal obstruction. We assessed the degree of improvement in the severity of these symptoms following diode laser treatment from baseline to one month after treatment, in addition to assessing patient satisfaction with the degree of improvement in their quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: The 211 patients positive for cedar pollinosis by the antigen-specific serum IgE antibody tests were broken down by month by number and by improvement, no change or exacerbation as follows. January, 18 patients: 33.4%, 44.4% and 22.2%, respectively. February, 29: 10.4%, 44.4% and 22.2%, respectively. March, 146: 60.3%, 31.5% and 8.2%, respectively. April, 18: 77.8%, 16.7% and 5.5%, respectively. The monthly respective improvement, no change or worse patient QOL as percentages were as follows: January: 16.7%, 44.4% and 38.9%. February: 17.3%, 13.8% and 68.9%. March: 61.6%, 29.5% and 8.9%. April: 94.4%, 0.0% and 5.6%. The values for prevention of exacerbation versus exacerbation for each month were: January, 77.8% vs 22.2%; February, 41.4% vs 58.6%; March, 91.8% vs 8.2%; and April, 94.4% vs 5.6%. The mean efficacy rate for the trial period in the present study was therefore 52.6% which compared very favorably with the mean efficacy rate in the 2011 study of 53.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the 810 nm diode laser offered a safe and effective solution for the uncomfortable symptoms of allergic rhinitis and could be well applied during the season of Japanese cedar pollen dispersion. Furthermore, a tendency towards high efficacy was demonstrated for laser treatment in class 6 cedar pollinosis patients, based on the specific IgE antibody test.

The effect of low level laser therapy for pain in major muscles controlling two joints.

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.

Usefulness of picosecond pulse alexandrite laser treatment for nevus of Ota.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recently, novel picosecond pulse duration lasers (ps-lasers) have been developed for the treatment of multicolored and recalcitrant tattoos, and safety and efficacy have been reported. We therefore hypothesized that ps-lasers could be an alternative treatment for dermal pigmented lesions. We performed a retrospective review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ps-laser for nevus of Ota. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective photographic review of 15 patients with nevus of Ota was performed (ages from 10 months to 65 yr). The patients were treated in the Ohshiro Clinic with a picosecond-domain 755 nm alexandrite laser (ps-Alex laser) from June 2015 to August 2017. Improvement was evaluated as the percentage of pigmentation clearance comparing the baseline findings with those at 3 months after the final treatment using a four category grading scale: Poor, 0-24%; Fair, 25-49%; Good, 50-74%; and Excellent 75-100% improvement. Adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: All patients obtained clinical improvement ranging from fair to excellent. All 5 patients whose primary treatment was the ps-Alex laser obtained excellent in 2-3 treatment sessions (average 2.5 sessions), and the average total treatment span was 10.0 months. Treatment with the ps-Alex laser caused transient hyperpigmentation followed by improvement to complete resolution at 3 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 755 nm ps laser treatment is efficacious for the treatment of nevus of Ota with minimum adverse events.

Low Level Laser Therapy for Radial Nerve Palsy Patients : Our Experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peripheral nerve injury is one of the frequent complaints which is seen in the outpatient clinic of our medical institute. In previous studies we have reported on the benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for central nerve system disorders, namely cerebrovascular accidents and cerebral palsy. The present study is a report on our experience of the effects of LLLT for peripheral nerve palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the past 5 years, 13 subjects visited the out-patient clinic with the chief complaint of radial nerve palsy caused by compression of the nerve through with abnormal positioning, and sleeping posture at night. The patients were treated with LLLT. A 1000 mW semi-conductor laser device was used, delivering 830 nm in continuous wave at a dose of 20.1 J/cm2 /point, and five points were treated per session (i.e., 1 treatment) twice a week for 3 months (total 24 treatments). In 6 patients LLLT was combined with brace therapy. RESULTS: Modified Daniels' manual muscle testing was used to determine the effects of LLLT for the muscle power of the extensor carpi radialis, and on completing the treatment regimen excellent improvement was observed in 9 cases out of 13. Combination treatment (laser therapy with bracing) resulted in 4 excellent cases out of 6 cases. Discussions with the patients clarified that it was important for them to learn how to avoid the particular posture that could cause them radial nerve palsy in daily life in order to have continuous benefits from the treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that LLLT was an effective form of treatment for radial nerve palsy. In addition, patients were advised to avoid any incorrect posture which might induce radial nerve palsy.

Retrospective Study on Laser Treatment of Oral Vascular Lesions Using the "Leopard Technique": The Multiple Spot Irradiation Technique with a Single-Pulsed Wave.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser treatment of oral vascular lesions using the multiple spot irradiation technique with a single-pulsed wave. BACKGROUND DATA: In laser therapy for vascular lesions, heat accumulation induced by excessive irradiation can cause adverse events postoperatively, including ulcer formation, resultant scarring, and severe pain. To prevent heat accumulation and side effects, we have applied a multiple pulsed spot irradiation technique, the so-called "leopard technique" (LT) to oral vascular lesions. This approach was originally proposed for laser treatment of nevi. It can avoid thermal concentration at the same spot and spare the epithelium, which promotes smooth healing. The goal of the study was to evaluate this procedure and treatment outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 46 patients with 47 oral vascular lesions treated with the LT using a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), including 24 thick lesions treated using a combination of the LT and intralesional photocoagulation. RESULTS: All treatment outcomes were satisfactory without serious complications such as deep ulcer formation, scarring, bleeding, or severe swelling. CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy with the LT is a promising less-invasive treatment for oral vascular lesions.

Low Level Laser Therapy in patients with chronic foot and ankle joint pain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic foot and ankle joint pain is one of the most frequent complaints which is regularly seen in the out-patient clinic of our medical institute. In previous studies we have reported on the benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for chronic pain in the elbow, hand, finger and the lower back. The present study examined the effects of LLLT on chronic foot and ankle joint pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the past 5 years, 17 subjects visited the out-patient clinic with complaints of chronic foot and ankle joint pain of a variety of aetiologies. The patients received LLLT using a 1000 mW semi-conductor laser device, delivering 20.1 J/cm2 per point at 830 nm in continuous wave. Each patient was given four shots per session per foot twice a week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the effects of LLLT for the chronic pain and after the end of the treatment regimen a significant improvement was observed (p < 0.01). All but 2 of the patients showed improvement: excellent (2) and good (13). After treatment, no significant differences were observed in the ankle joint range of motion, however. Discussions with the patients revealed that it was important for them to learn how to avoid overuse of the ankle when walking, poor walking posture and a poor pacing technique that would caused them foot and ankle pain in everyday life. Following these postural guidelines could ensure continuous benefits from the treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that LLLT was an effective form of treatment for chronic foot and ankle joint pain, in conjunction with postural education during all activities of daily living.

Type 2 Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation successfully treated with the novel 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser - a case report.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Minocycline therapy for acne vulgaris is associated with the occasional induction of various types of unsightly and often persistent hyperpigmentation, which is frequently resistant to hydroquinone treatment. Pigment-specific lasers have achieved some success with multiple treatment sessions. Recently, the picosecond domain 755 nm alexandrite laser (ps-Alex) has attracted attention in tattoo removal. The present study reports on the successful treatment, in a single ps-Alex session, of minocycline-associated pigmentation. SUBJECT AND METHOD: Subsequent to a course of minocycline, a 28-year-old Asian female developed persistent type 2 minocycline-related pigmentation on the bilateral lower extremities which was recalcitrant to hydroquinone treatment. The patient had a test treatment on a small area with a Q-switched ruby laser and the ps-Alex, following which the ps-Alex was selected for the actual treatment (spot size, 2 mm; fluence, 6.37 J/cm2; pulsewidth, 750 ps) on one leg first, followed later by the contralateral leg. RESULTS: Rapid clearance of the pigmentation was noted after a single ps-Alex session on both limbs without prolonged post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). At one year post-treatment, clearance had been maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Our results in this single case strongly suggest that the novel 755-nm ps-Alex laser is both safe and very effective for the treatment of type 2 minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation even in PIH-prone type IV Asian skin. Further trials with larger patient populations are warranted to confirm this optimistic result.

Picosecond pulse duration laser treatment for dermal melanocytosis in Asians : A retrospective review.

Background and aims: Recently novel picosecond duration lasers (ps-lasers) have been developed for the treatment of multicolored and recalcitrant tattoos, and safety and efficacy have been reported. We therefore hypothesized that the ps-laser could be an alternative treatment for dermal pigmented lesions and performed a retrospective review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ps-laser. Subjects and methods: A retrospective photographic review of 10 patients with dermal pigmented lesions was performed (ages from 4 months to 52 yr), 6 nevus of Ota, 3 ectopic Mongolian spots and 1 Mongolian spots. The patients were treated in the Ohshiro Clinic with picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser (ps-Alex laser) and picosecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (ps-Nd:YAG laser) from April 2014 to December 2015 (ps-Alex laser, 7 patients; ps-Nd:YAG laser, 3 patients, 1 to 3 treatment sessions). Improvement was evaluated as percentage of pigmentation clearance comparing the baseline findings with those at 3 months after the final treatment using a five category grading scale: Poor, 0-24%; Fair, 25-49%; Good, 50-74%; Excellent, 75-94%; and Complete, 95-100% improvement. Adverse events were also assessed. Results: All ten patients obtained clinical improvement ranging from fair to excellent. Treatment with the ps-Alex laser caused transient hyperpigmentation followed by improvement to complete resolution at 3 months follow-up. The ps-Nd:YAG laser caused severe transient erythema and swelling but no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the 755 nm and 1064 nm ps-lasers are efficacious for the treatment of dermal pigment lesions, with minimum adverse events.

History of the World Federation of Societies for Laser Medicine and Surgery (WFSLMS) and its Non-Profit Organization (NPO-WFSLMS): Part 2: 2(nd) WFSLMS Meeting (2009) to the present.

BACKGROUND: The first part of this historical overview, (see Laser Therapy, 2014; 23: 89-95), took the reader from the conception of the WFSLMS to its inception at the inaugural meeting in Tokyo, 2005 and events up to the 2009 2(nd) WFSLMS in Tokyo when the author was the congress president. The previous article also dealt with the necessity for founding a non-profit organization, NPO-WFSLMS, to handle the commercial and social responsibilities of the WFSLMS. For details, please refer to that previous article. Meetings: The 2(nd) WFSLMS congress was successfully held in 2009 in Japan, under the presidency of Professor Krishna Rau. The third WFSLMS meeting was planned for Paris in 2013 together with the 20(th) ISLSM congress under the Meeting Presidency of Dr Jean Abitbol, while the 19(th) ISLSM was to be held in Korea in 2011 under the Meeting Presidency of Prof. Jin-Wang Kim. Unforseen problems beyond the control of the organizers forced the cancellation of both the 19(th) and 20(th) meetings of the ISLSM, the latter also being the location of the planned third WFSLMS congress in Paris, but with the cooperation of the organizers of the 5(th) congress of the International Phototherapy Association (IPTA) the 3(rd) WFSLMS meeting was held in Lithuania, again under the presidency of Prof Rau concurrently with the 20(th) ISLSM, at which much was debated regarding the future course of NPO-WFSLMS and WFSLMS. The venue of the 2015 21(st) ISLSM Congress was set as Indore, India, and the 4(th) WFSLMS meeting was allocated to Florence, Italy, in tandem with the 22(nd) ISLSM congress. PROJECTS: In the interim, NPO-WFSLMS effectively managed laser education programs in Japan for developing country doctors, and also handled the donation of laser systems to Vietnam and Thailand, the latter being under the auspices of the Greek Medical Laser Association, together with associated education programs. The laser-based Blood Saving Campaign (BSaC) has been actively promoted in Asian countries up to the present, designed to minimize the need for transfusions and prevent intraoperative blood loss through the hemostatic properties of surgical lasers, bloodless minimally-invasive treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and noninvasive LLLT. THE FUTURE: The WFSLMS will make more active overtures to solidify the inter-society cooperation among as many of the major laser societies as possible, both national and international. There are problems to be faced and overcome, but in a mood of cautious optimism, NPO-WFSLMS will work with WFSLMS and ISLSM towards this very worthwhile goal.

Adjunctive 830 nm light-emitting diode therapy can improve the results following aesthetic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive, or even minimally aggressive, aesthetic interventions are almost inevitably followed by such events as discomfort, erythema, edema and hematoma formation which could lengthen patient downtime and represent a major problem to the surgeon. Recently, low level light therapy with light-emitting diodes (LED-LLLT) at 830 nm has attracted attention in wound healing indications for its anti-inflammatory effects and control of erythema, edema and bruising. RATIONALE: The wavelength of 830 nm offers deep penetration into living biological tissue, including bone. A new-generation of 830 nm LEDs, based on those developed in the NASA Space Medicine Laboratory, has enabled the construction of planar array-based LED-LLLT systems with clinically useful irradiances. Irradiation with 830 nm energy has been shown in vitro and in vivo to increase the action potential of epidermal and dermal cells significantly. The response of the inflammatory stage cells is enhanced both in terms of function and trophic factor release, and fibroblasts demonstrate superior collagenesis and elastinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: A growing body of clinical evidence is showing that applying 830 nm LED-LLLT as soon as possible post-procedure, both invasive and noninvasive, successfully hastens the resolution of sequelae associated with patient downtime in addition to significantly speeding up frank wound healing. This article reviews that evidence, and attempts to show that 830 nm LED-LLLT delivers swift resolution of postoperative sequelae, minimizes downtime and enhances patient satisfaction.

History of the World Federation of Societies for Laser Medicine and Surgery (WFSLMS) and its Non-Profit Organization (NPO-WFSLMS): Part 1: Origins to Inaugural Meeting, 2005.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The first society formed to represent the "new" field of laser applications in medicine and surgery was the late Professor Kaplan's International Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine, held in Israel in 1975. Following the ISLSM lead, a large number of national and international societies were very swiftly formed. As the number grew, it became obvious that some sort of linking forum would help all these separate societies to pool the knowledge of their members for the good of the clinicians and their patients. The World Federation of Societies for Laser Medicine and Surgery was formed to attempt to fill this role. The History: At the 1996 meeting of the Greek Medical Laser Association, the first international forum of representatives from 17 international and national laser societies was convened by Professor Nick Nicolopoulos, and the seed of an idea for a centralized forum to help separate laser societies coordinate efforts and knowledge was planted. This seed was nurtured by the ISLSM as the first medical laser society, and forums were called together at each meeting of the ISLSM and the other related societies from 1997 to 2003. At the 2004 Chinese Medical Laser Society meeting, the idea of worldwide federation of laser societies crystallized into a more tangible form The Inaugural WFSLMS Congress: The convening of the first WFSLMS congress took place in Tokyo in 2005, under the leadership of Professor Kazuhiko Atsumi. At this meeting, Professor Kaplan proposed that a Medical Laser Foundation should be established and donated the first seed money for its formation. Because of the Japanese legal requirements, a foundation was impossible and so a Non-profit Organization (NPO-WFSLMS) was started, based in Japan, to oversee the work and fund the tasks of promoting laser surgery and medicine worldwide, for the good of mankind: the financing, running and holding WFSLMS congresses became one of the tasks of NPO-WFSLMS. CONCLUSION: Both the WFSLMS and NPO-WFSLMS were therefore on their way to working together for a cohesive approach to try and coordinate the work of all societies dedicated to laser medicine and surgery under the WFSLMS umbrella, with NPO-WFSLMS continuously gathering, administering and disbursing the funds to allow the WFSLMS to run its 4-yearly meetings.

A new standard of Efficacy for Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Pain Attenuation in Japan (a secondary publication).

The assessment of the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for pain attenuation varies among institutions, all having their own method of assessment with no common standards. At the author's institution in the beginning, the patients were asked how they assessed their pain relief immediately after the treatment. They were to choose from excellent, good, fair, no change and poor. The overall efficacy rate was calculated by the numbers of patients scoring excellent and good, expressed as a percentage of the total number of patients. However, a large number of institutions have utilized the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or the Pain Relief Score (PRS) for the assessment of treatment; but even then, the evaluation could not be considered uniform. Therefore, the standardization of the efficacy rate was continuously discussed among the practitioners of LLLT, dating back to the 9(th) annual meeting of the Japan Laser Therapy Association (JaLTA) in 1997. It took four years (including the 1997 meeting) until finally an agreement was reached and a new standard of efficacy was presented at the 12(th) JaLTA meeting in 2000, based on the PRS. The new standard defined excellent as pain reduction in any treatment session from 10 to 0 or 1, good as reduction from 10 to 2∼5, fair as reduction from 10 to 6∼8, no change as a reduction from 10 to 9∼10 and poor was defined as exacerbation of pain from 10 to 11 or greater. Efficacy rate was calculated by the number of patients scoring excellent and good expressed as a percentage of the total number of patients. For the purpose of reference, the VAS was to be used for patients receiving the treatment for the first time.

Investigation regarding prevention of insufficiency fractures in children with severe cerebral palsy by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation.

Bone metabolism in children with severe fractures was examined, risk factors for fractures were characterized, and effects of LED (light-emitting diode) irradiation on the risk factors for fractures were investigated. Since insufficiency fracture in children with severe cerebral palsy can be caused without obvious external force in daily care, it is sometimes handled as a medical accident and can lead to a lawsuit. It is very important to explain the possibility of an insufficiency fracture to guardians before a fracture is caused. However, risk factors for fractures in bone metabolism has not been well investigated and preventive treatment of fractures have also not been established. Risk factors in bone metabolism were investigated in 14 cases of insufficiency fracture in children with severe cerebral palsy accompanied by akathisia in this study. Fractures were likely caused around 8 years old when children grew rapidly, and either IGF-1 or BAP showed low values in all cases. A group with LED irradiation consisting of 25 cases indicated a normal value of IGF-1 related to bone growth, BAP related to bone density and NTX/Cr. A case irradiated to LED for more than one month clearly showed normal bone metabolism compared with the change within a non irradiated group after one year. LED irradiation increased bone density and femur cortical bone thickness, and improved bone age. Adequate effects were not seen in two children at 14 years of age. The commercially available LED light bulbs that we used have a peak at 446-477 nm in the blue wave length, but also have second peaks at 574 nm in green, at 590 nm in yellow, and even 612 nm in orange and 660 nm in red are included. Although it is thought that such a variety of wave lengths might have a good influence on bone metabolism; exposure time and distance, number of regions, and time period irradiated to LED are important factors, since the LED power density is low (0.9 mW/m(2) with a 30 cm distance). Our results suggest that LED irradiation can be a phototherapy to activate human homeostasis.

Low Level Laser Therapy for chronic knee joint pain patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic knee joint pain is one of the most frequent complaints which is seen in the outpatient clinic in our medical institute. In previous studies we have reported the benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for chronic pain in the shoulder joints, elbow, hand, finger and the lower back. The present study is a report on the effects of LLLT for chronic knee joint pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the past 5 years, 35 subjects visited the outpatient clinic with complaints of chronic knee joint pain caused by the knee osteoarthritis-induced degenerative meniscal tear. They received low level laser therapy. A 1000 mW semi-conductor laser device was used to deliver 20.1 J/cm(2) per point in continuous wave at 830nm, and four points were irradiated per session (1 treatment) twice a week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the effects of LLLT for the chronic pain and after the end of the treatment regimen a significant improvement was observed (p<0.001). After treatment, no significant differences were observed in the knee joint range of motion. Discussions with the patients revealed that it was important for them to learn how to avoid postures that would cause them knee pain in everyday life in order to have continuous benefits from the treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that 830 nm LLLT was an effective form of treatment for chronic knee pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. Patients were advised to undertake training involving gentle flexion and extension of the knee.