Cardiopulmonary and Hematological Effects of Infrared Led Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Sars-Cov2

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by acute respiratory syndrome, which presents with dense alveolar and interstitial infiltrate and pulmonary edema, causing severe hypoxemia and significant alteration to pulmonary mechanics with reduced pulmonary compliance. The photobiomodulation technique alters cellular and molecular metabolism, showing promising results regarding the reduction of acute pulmonary inflammation. Objective: To compare the photomodulation technique using near-infrared LED to conventional respiratory physiotherapy treatment in patients with COVID-19 in reversing acute conditions, reducing hospitalization time, and decreasing the need for oxygen therapy. Methodology: The cohort was comprised of 30 patients undergoing COVID-19 treatment who were divided into 2 equal groups: the LED group (LED), treated with infrared LED at 940nm and conventional therapy, and the control group (CON), who received conventional treatment (antibiotic therapy and physiotherapy) with LED irradiation off. Phototherapy used a vest with an array of 300 LEDs (940nm) mounted on a 36cm × 58cm area and positioned in the patient’s anterior thoracic and abdominal regions. The total power was 6 W, with 15 min irradiation time. Cardiopulmonary functions and blood count were monitored before and after treatment. The patients were treated daily for 7 days. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-tailed unpaired Student’s t -test at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: Post-treatment, the LED group showed a reduction in hospital discharge time and a statistically significant improvement for the following cardiopulmonary functions: Partial Oxygen Saturation, Tydel Volume, Maximum Inspiratory, and Expiratory Pressures, Respiratory Frequency, Heart Rate, and Systolic Blood Pressure (p < 0.05). Regarding blood count, it was observed that, post-treatment, the LED group presented with significant differences in the count of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation therapy can be used in conjunction with traditional treatment for COVID-19 to reduce pulmonary inflammation, promote regeneration of damaged tissues, and minimize symptoms.