Acute and cumulative benefits of Photobiomodulation for xerostomia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

The objective was to explore the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy for treating patients who suffer xerostomia and/or hyposalivation due to the most prevalent clinical diagnoses. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for randomised or clinical controlled trials published until 31 October 2019. Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis were conducted using the Cochrane tools. A total of 274 records were retrieved and 11 met the inclusion criteria. Interventions whose parameters ranged between wavelengths of 790-830nm (infrared), 30-120mW of power, and an energy density below 30J/cm-2 were associated with improvements in xerostomia/hyposalivation. As for the assessment of methodological quality, 10 of the 11 articles included had a high risk of overall bias. Only 3 articles provided sufficient information to conduct a meta-analysis for quality of life, compared with placebo in patients with burning mouth syndrome, showing a standardised mean difference between groups from baseline of -0.90 (-1.48;-0.32). The present review and meta-analysis suggest that photobiomodulation therapy is an effective, non-invasive and safe approach in patients with xerostomia. However, despite the potential, it is not possible to reach a reliable consensus on the parameters to be used, and future studies should be conducted by standardising intervention protocols.