Inovação e desenvolvimento de um eletrodo para o tratamento de feridas com geração otimizada de ozônio na Leishmaniose cutânea

Abstract

With between 700,000 and 1 million new cases a year, leishmaniasis is considered a global public health problem. In Brazil, it has a high incidence, especially in the state of Pará. The cutaneous form (CL) manifests itself as a wound that is difficult to heal, negatively impacting patients' quality of life and overburdening the health system. In this context, the aim of this study was to develop a prototype electrode for the application of high frequency (HF) and evaluate its healing potential in the complementary treatment of lesions caused by CL. Initially, an electrode with a shape adapted for wounds was developed, called the “multifocal electrode”. Preliminary tests showed that the device generated greater ozone release compared to the conventional cauterizing electrode. The clinical study was then carried out. 24 lesions were randomly divided into those treated with PA (n=11) and those not treated (control, n=13), with each patient having at least one lesion in each group. The PA sessions were carried out 3 to 5 times a week, totaling 30 sessions, using the sparking technique, medium intensity and a time of 1 minute/5 cm². Adverse effects were assessed after the first application: all participants reported tingling (60% mild, 40% moderate); mild itching, moderate itching and transient erythema were reported in 20% of cases, while other symptoms (burning, pain, heat, shock and persistent stinging) were not reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by smear (100% with amastigote forms) and by qPCR, identifying Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis in 80% and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in 20% of the samples. The treated lesions showed a significantly greater reduction in area in the 7th, 14th and 21st sessions (p<0.05), as well as improvement in clinical characteristics such as edema, coloration, crusts, fibrin and epithelial tissue. Average healing was 23 days in the treated group, compared to 36 days in the control group (p<0.05). In the intra-group follow-up, the treated group showed a significant reduction from the first 7 days (p=0.001), while the control group showed a later reduction, only between the 7th and 14th days. It is concluded that the multifocal electrode proved to be safe, viable and effective as a complementary resource in the treatment of CL in the participants of this study with the protocol used, promoting a reduction in the area and healing time with mild and transient adverse effects. The use of the electrode at low to medium intensities is recommended, avoiding high intensities that could cause tissue damage.