Limited cutaneous
systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) was formerly known as
CREST syndrome in reference to the associated clinical features:
calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and
telangiectasias. The
transforming growth factor beta has been identified as a major player in the pathogenic process, where
low-level light therapy (
LLLT) has been shown to modulate this
cytokine superfamily. This case study was conducted to assess the efficacy of 940 nm using millisecond pulsing and continuous wave (CW) modes on osteoarticular signs and symptoms associated with lcSSc. The patient was treated two to three times a week for 13 weeks using a sequential pulsing mode on one elbow and a CW mode on the other. Efficacy assessments included
inflammation, symptoms,
pain, health scales, patient satisfaction, clinical global impression, and adverse effects monitoring. Considerable functional and morphologic improvements were observed after
LLLT, with the best results seen with the pulsing mode. No adverse effects were noted. Pulsed
LLLT represents a treatment alternative for osteoarticular signs and symptoms in
limited scleroderma (
CREST syndrome).