Diode-laser-assisted biopsy and photobiomodulation therapy in the management of Sjögren's disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Sjögren's disease is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to xerostomia and xerophthalmia.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old Hispanic female patient was diagnosed following a minor salivary gland biopsy performed using a diode laser. Wound healing was successfully managed through local photobiomodulation therapy combined with topical application of an active oxygen-lactoferrin gel and mouthwash (Blue®M). A 5-week therapeutic protocol was subsequently implemented, combining intraoral and extraoral photobiomodulation, including irradiation of major salivary glands and lymphatic nodes, with continued home use of Blue®M mouthwash. Clinical outcomes demonstrated marked improvement in salivary flow (unstimulated: 0.5 mL/min; stimulated: 0.9 mL/min) and significant reduction in xerostomia.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the use of laser for safe biopsy of minor salivary glands in Sjögren's disease and the potential of intraoral and extraoral photobiomodulation therapy, including lymphatic node stimulation, combined with active oxygen-lactoferrin-based oral care as an effective adjunctive protocol for the clinical treatment of Sjögren's disease.