Medical device-related orofacial ulcers: Report of two cases managed with photobiomodulation therapy

Abstract

Oral mucosal lesions are commonly seen in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and are generally related to medical devices such as those used for orotracheal intubation. Conventional therapies comprise pharmacological agents and local measures; however, recently, alternative options have shown promising results. Thus, this paper aims to present clinical cases in which orofacial injuries resulting from orotracheal tube pressure were managed exclusively with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Two patients were admitted to an ICU because of respiratory distress due to bacterial pneumonia. A few days after orotracheal intubation, bleeding lip lesions covered by crusts and related to tube pressure were noted. Three PBMT sessions were proposed in both cases and resulted in an important clinical improvement within 72 hours. Given the complexity of the ICU environment and the lack of consensus regarding the best management option for medical device-related orofacial lesions, PBMT seems to be a promising tool for that. More studies, however, are actually necessary to draw definite conclusions.