Effects and parameters of the photobiomodulation in experimental models of third-degree burn: systematic review

This systematic review was performed to identify the role of photobiomodulation therapy in experimental models of third-degree burns used to induce oxidative stress. EMBASE, PubMed, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies published between January 2003 and January 2018 on the topics of photobiomodulation therapy and third-degree burns. Any study that assessed the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in animal models of third-degree burns was included in the analysis. A total of 17 studies were selected from 1182 original articles targeted on photobiomodulation therapy and third-degree burns. Two independent raters with a structured tool for rating the research quality critically assessed the articles. Although the small number of studies limits the conclusions, the current literature research indicates that photobiomodulation therapy can be an effective short-term approach to accelerate the healing process of third-degree burns, to increase and modulate the inflammatory process, to accelerate the proliferation of fibroblasts, and to enhance the quality of the collagen network. However, differences still exist in the terminology used to describe the parameters and the dose of photobiomodulation therapy.