Blue Light-Emitting Diode Therapy for Chronic Vulvovaginitis Symptoms: A Series of Cases.

Abstract

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the characteristic signs and symptoms of chronic vulvovaginitis after blue light-emitting diode (LED) treatment. Methods: Women with characteristic signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis were interviewed to obtain clinical and sociodemographic data. They answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-bref questionnaires. Women with a suspected diagnosis of vulvovaginitis underwent clinical examination by a gynecologist, followed by microbiological evaluation, potassium hydroxide testing, vaginal pH assessment, and collection of vaginal fluid for oncotic cytology and fungal culture. The study participants were instructed to return after 15 days to undergo the 405 nm blue LED treatment, which consisted of three biweekly sessions. After 28 days of treatment completion, the patients returned for clinical re-evaluation and reassessment of the FSFI and WHOQOL-bref scores. Results: All eight women reported improvement or cure of at least one characteristic sign or symptom of vulvovaginitis, and five showed improvement in total FSFI and WHOQOL-bref scores. Conclusions: Treatment with blue LED may improve or cure symptoms associated with vulvovaginitis, sexual function, and the global quality of life score. Clinical Trial registration: NCT03075046 dated March 9, 2017.

• Authors: Ana Cláudia Machado Pereira E Silva, Milena Bastos Brito, Mariana Robatto, Maria Clara Pavie, Andrea Q Villas Boas, Raiane Sousa, Patricia Lordelo
• Journal: Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery (Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg) Vol. 40 Issue 11 Pg. 747-750 (Nov 2022) ISSN: 2578-5478 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 36395084 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Humans
• Female
• Quality of Life
• Pilot Projects
• Vulvovaginitis (therapy)
• Surveys and Questionnaires