Photodynamic Disinfection in the Treatment of Chronic Adult Periodontitis: A Multicenter Clinical Trial

Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vivo Human Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) efficacy in periodontitis. The review protocol was conducted in accordance with PRISMA statements, Cochrane Collaboration recommendations and is registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42020161516). Electronic and hand search strategies were undertaken to gather data on in vivo human RCTs followed by qualitative analysis. Differences in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals and pooled in random effects model at three and six months. Heterogeneity was analyzed, using Q and I² tests. Publication bias was assessed by visual examination of the funnel plot symmetry. Sixty percent of 31 eligible studies showed a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis on 18 studies showed no additional benefit in split mouth studies in terms of PPD reduction (SMD 0.166; 95% CI −0.278 to 0.611; P = 0.463) and CAL gain (SMD 0.092; 95% CI −0.013 to 0.198; P = 0.088). Similar findings noted for parallel group studies; PPD reduction (SMD 0.076; 95% CI −0.420 to 0.573; P = 0.763) and CAL gain (SMD 0.056; 95% CI −0.408 to 0.552; P = 0.745). Sensitivity analysis minimized heterogeneity for both outcome variables; however, intergroup differences were not statistically significant. Future research should aim for well-designed RCTs in order to determine the effectiveness of aPDT.

Is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy an effective treatment modality for aggressive periodontitis? A systematic review of in vivo human randomized controlled clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Limitations of scaling and root planing (SRP) have directed research to utilize additional therapies to enhance conventional techniques. The present systematic review was conducted to evaluate and present a comprehensive overview on effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the management of aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

METHODOLOGY

The PRISMA statement guidelines and Cochrane Collaboration recommendations were followed to conduct this systematic review. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42019143316). A structured electronic and manual search strategy was implied to gather the relevant published data on in vivo human RCTs from their earliest records until 31st October 2019. Relevant data was extracted from the eligible studies, analysed and impartially appraised for its quality.

RESULTS

Eleven papers met the eligibility criteria and included in this review. The data on standardized study protocol, ideal photosensitizer (PS) dye-wavelength combination, optimal parameters was inconclusive and a high risk of bias in majority of the studies noted, which are fundamental in establishing a standardized and replicable protocol.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately researchers should conduct well-designed and robust RCTs performed by trained clinicians in order to determine the effectiveness of aPDT, if any, after acknowledging the drawbacks highlighted in this systematic review.