Laser Therapy for Venous Leg Ulcers

Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effects of high-intensity laser therapy on wound healing in patients with venous leg ulcers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either laser therapy plus standard care or standard care alone. The laser therapy will be administered 3 times per week for 8 weeks or until ulcer closure. The primary outcome is proportion of participants with complete ulcer closure.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female patients aged 18 years up to 65 years.
2. Presence of a venous leg ulcer, confirmed by clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound (venous reflux > 0.5 seconds).
3. Ulcer size between 1 cm² and 20 cm² at screening.
4. Ulcer duration of at least 4 weeks but not more than 12 months.
5. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≥ 0.8, assessed by Doppler ultrasound.
6. Willing and able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of an active infection in the ulcer, confirmed by clinical signs and positive culture results.
2. Osteomyelitis, diagnosed by radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
3. Patients with a history of uncontrolled diabetes, defined as HbA1c level > 10%.
4. Current or planned use of systemic immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids during the study period.
5. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
6. Patients with a history of malignancy or photosensitive skin disorders.
7. Prior history of skin grafting or flap surgery in the affected area within the past 3 months.