Effects of intravenous laser irradiation on respiratory physiology parameters of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: An uncontrolled observational study

IntroductionRespiratory dysfunction and complications are the most common causes of death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. This study observed the changes of respiratory physiology parameters during intravenous laser irradiation (ILI) treatment on ALS patients.MethodsEighteen ALS patients received ILI treatment four times a week for 2 weeks. The end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), respiratory rate (RR), saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) and pulse rate were measured for 15 min before and during treatment by using capnography and oxymetry. For estimating the mechnism of ILI on respiratory function, we evaluated the LF (low frequency)/HF (high frequency) ratio of heart rate variability (HRV).ResultsThe results showed that RR, SpO2 and pulse were significantly reduced during ILI (p < .001). But the change of SpO2 and pulse value during ILI were significantly increased (p = .014 < .05, p = .003 < .01). LF (low frequency)/HF(high frequency) ratio value was significantly increased during ILI (p = .045 < .05).ConclusionILI led to a statistically significant difference in SpO2 and pulse changes in ALS patients despite the supine position. These results seem to be caused by an ILI’s action to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and modulate hyperkinetic hemodynamics. But, in order to clarify these results, a well designed study is now required.