Role of low level Nitrogen laser therapy in chronic drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

In this longitudinal study, the Role of Low Level Laser Therapy in Chronic Drug Resistant pulmonary tuberculosis has been studied for a period of 10 years from 1995 to 2004 and follow up was done for a period of 3 years. Material and Methods: 61 patients in Nitrogen Laser Therapy group (LLLT Group) and 61 were kept as control group. The aim of study was to describe the efficacy and safety of low level nitrogen laser therapy in management of chronic drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. All the patients, included in this study, had already taken anti-tubercular drugs for more than one year and were still sputum smear and culture positive. Results: Among LLLT group, 44 (72.13%) patients became sputum smear and culture negative for MTB (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis) as compared to 26 (42.62%) in control group. Of the 44 patients, 22(50%) converted within first month. Conclusion: Low Level Nitrogen Laser Therapy may be used as an adjuvant to anti-tubercular drugs in cases of chronic drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.