Untitled

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of high-energy MLS-laser therapy on sensation in patients with diabetic neuropathy, to compare the results of subjective touch sensation by the 10-g monofilament test with objective changes of ENG parameters of n. suralis, and to refine the reliability of the monofilament test as a means of detecting changes after treatment. Materials and Methods: 69 cases of patients with type 2 diabetes and lower limb sensory impairment detected by the 10-g monofilament test were followed in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: experimental-41 patients received high-energy laser therapy and control (placebo) group-28 patients with "sham" laser treatment. Electroneurography (ENG) of sensory fibers of peripheral nerves of lower limbs was performed to objectify the results of both groups.Results: In the experimental group, the percentage of patients with a sense of touch on all investigated sites at day 90 (left: 68.3%; right: 78%) was higher compared to that not only at day 21 (left: 56.1%; right: 63.4%) but also compared to baseline (left: 43.9%; right: 53.7%) for both lower limbs. Subjective improvement assessed by the 10-g monofilament test correlated with ENG parameters of n. suralis. Conclusions: MLS-laser treatment significantly improves lower limb sensation as assessed by the 10g monofilament test in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test can be used not only to prove sensory disturbances but also to detect changes after therapy, including laser therapy.