Effects of Photobiomodulation Adjunct Therapy via Superpulsed 904 nm Laser in Patients With Second-Degree Burns: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using near-infrared (NIR) light offers a non-invasive healing approach with deep-tissue penetration that enhances cellular proliferation, mitochondrial bioenergetics, reduces inflammation, and restores functions. However, clinical evidence for NIR-PBMT in burn care remains limited. This randomized, active-controlled trial evaluated the effects of 904 nm superpulsed laser NIR-PBMT as an adjunct to standard care (SOC; 1% silver-sulfadiazine, paraffin-gauze) for second-degree burn patients. Participants received either sham-exposed (n = 12) or 904 nm-PBMT (n = 12; 100 Hz frequency, 200-ns pulse width, 10 min, 1.1 J/session, twice weekly). The study evaluated re-epithelialization time, wound reduction, pain intensity (VAS score), blood PCT/CRP levels, and microbial load. NIR-PBMT significantly (p < 0.05) accelerated healing, re-epithelialization (8.3 vs. 12.6 days), wound reduction, granulation tissue formation, and decreased pain compared to sham-exposed. Neither group showed evidence of microbial infection or changes in PCT/CRP levels. These findings indicate that NIR-PBMT is an effective non-invasive adjunct therapy for faster repair of second-degree burns. Further, large-scale trials are needed.