A Double-Blind Study on the Effectiveness of Polarized Light Therapy in the Treatment of Venous leg Ulcers-Pilot Study.
Jarosław Pasek, Sebastian Szajkowski, Grzegorz Cieślar
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In 30 seconds
This double-blind randomized pilot trial compared polarized light therapy with sham exposure in 40 adults with chronic venous leg ulcers. Both groups also received routine pharmacological treatment, dressings and compression therapy. After 2.5 months, ulcer area had decreased by a median 33.05 (28.7-41.48) % with polarized light and 18.99 (15-24.4) % with sham exposure (p < 0.001). Pain reduction was also greater with polarized light. The findings suggest an additional benefit from polarized light when added to standard care, although the study was small.
Key findings
- Median ulcer-area reduction was 33.05 (28.7-41.48) % with polarized light versus 18.99 (15-24.4) % with sham exposure (p < 0.001).
- Median pain reduction was 71.42 (61.25-71.42) % with polarized light versus 37.5 (28.57-50) % with sham exposure (p < 0.001).
- After treatment, median wound area was 2.4 (1.95-2.9) cm 2 with polarized light and 2.8 (2.6-3.1) cm 2 with sham exposure (p = 0.038).
- Post-treatment median VAS pain scores were 2 (2-3) points with polarized light and 4.5 (4-5) points with sham exposure (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
Venous leg ulcers can persist for months, and reducing wound area and pain are clinically relevant outcomes. In this pilot trial, polarized light added to dressings, compression and pharmacological care was associated with greater improvement in both outcomes than sham exposure alongside the same standard care. The results provide preliminary evidence for further evaluation of this adjunctive approach.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot study with only 40 participants and outcomes assessed after 2.5 months; the abstract does not report longer-term outcomes.