Indocyanine green-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green-mediated photodynamic therapy (ICG-PDT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), in the management of chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase via OVID, Web of Science) were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing NSPT with ICG-PDT to NSPT without laser therapy. Primary outcome measures were changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled from 7 eligible trials and meta-analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations. Results For PPD, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional reduction of 1.17 mm (95% CI: 0.67-1.66 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional reduction of 1.06 mm (95% CI: 0.54-1.57 mm) at 6 months. For CAL, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional gain of 0.70 mm (95% CI: 0.17-1.23 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional gain of 1.03 mm (95% CI: 0.83-1.24 mm) at 6 months. No adverse events were reported in any studies. Conclusions The adjunctive use of ICG-PDT in NSPT results in improved treatment outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Further investigation is needed to evaluate variables such as different photosensitiser concentrations and adjusting parameters associated with the light source.

Automated summary

The use of adjunctive ICG-PDT in non-surgical periodontal therapy leads to significant improvements in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level at 3 and 6 months post-therapy for chronic periodontitis patients. No adverse events were reported. Additional research is needed to explore variables such as different photosensitiser concentrations and parameters associated with the light source.