The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial

Author(s)

Camargo, Barbara Tideman Sartorio ^[1] ; Coca, Kelly Pereira ^{[2, 1]} ; Amir, Lisa Helen ^{[2, 3]} ; Correa, Luciana ^[4] ; Aranha, Ana Cecilia Correa ^[5] ; Marcacine, Karla Oliveira ^[1] ; Abuchaim, Erika de Sa Vieira ^[1] ; Abrao, Ana Cristina Freitas de Vilhena ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Enfermagem, Womens Hlth Nursing Dept, R Napoleao Barros 754, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] La Trobe Univ, Judith Lumley Ctr, Melbourne, Vic - Australia

^[3] Royal Womens Hosp, Breastfeeding Serv, Melbourne, Vic - Australia

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent, Dept Oral Pathol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent, Dept Restorat Dent, Special Lab Lasers Dent LELO, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Lasers in Medical Science; v. 35, n. 1, p. 63-69, FEB 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy (PBM-LLLT) has been introduced as a new tool to relieve nipple pain and repair nipple damage in breastfeeding women; however, evidence is needed to assess its effectiveness. The aim was to evaluate the effect of a single application of PBM-LLLT for breastfeeding women with nipple pain and damage; side effects were also collected. We conducted a randomized double-blinded controlled trial with women with nipple damage who were exclusively breastfeeding and rooming-in at Amparo Maternal maternity service, Sao Paulo, Brazil (May 2016 to May 2017). Women were randomly assigned into laser (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). Intervention was a single irradiation (660 nm, 100 mW, 2 J, 66.66 J/cm(2), 3.3 W/cm(2), 20 s of irradiation, punctual, and continuous mode) applied directly. Women reported pain levels at recruitment (before and immediately after irradiation), 6 and 24 h after the treatment. Pain level during a breastfeed was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (0 to 10). The primary outcome was the level of nipple pain immediately after the laser irradiation. Data were analyzed using hierarchical model and Wald test. At baseline, pain levels were similar (mean of 7.4 in laser group and 7.1 in control group). Women's perception of pain reduced approximately one point in both groups. Thirty-one percent of participants in the laser group (11/36) reported secondary effects, such as tingling (10/36) and pricking (2/36). The laser protocol of a single application was not effective in reducing pain in women with damaged nipples. Tingling sensation may be experienced by women receiving laser treatment for nipple damage. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/07469-5 - Development of a randomized controlled trial to compare different strength/whatever low intensity laser irradiation in the management of nipple pain for breastfeeding women with nipple damage
• Grantee: Kelly Pereira Coca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research