21Low-Level Laser Therapy Effectively Treats Tennis and Golferâs Elbow
Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery (1998) · Z. Simunovic, T. Trobonjaca, Z. Trobonjaca
This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in 324 patients with medial (n=50) or lateral (n=274) epicondylitis. Patients received either trigger point laser therapy, scanner-based laser therapy, or a combination of both. The combination treatment resulted in complete pain relief and improved functional ability in 82% of acute and 66% of chronic cases. The study highlights the importance of proper dosing, technique, and therapist expertise in optimizing LLLT outcomes for epicondylitis.
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77Nearly Half of Acetaminophen Liver Failure Cases Are Unintentional Overdoses
Hepatology (2005) · Larson AM, Polson J, Fontana RJ, Davern TJ, Lalani E, Hynan LS, et al.
This prospective multicenter study tracked 662 patients with acute liver failure across 22 tertiary care centers in the United States over 6 years. Of these, 275 cases (42%) were caused by acetaminophen liver injury. The percentage of acetaminophen-related liver failure rose from 28% in 1998 to 51% in 2003. Critically, 48% of these cases were unintentional overdoses, not suicide attempts. The median dose ingested was 24 grams (equivalent to 48 extra-strength tablets). Among unintentional overdose patients, 38% had taken two or more acetaminophen products simultaneously, and 81% reported using acetaminophen for acute or chronic pain syndromes. Overall, 27% of patients died without transplantation and 8% required liver transplants. The study demonstrates that the majority of acetaminophen-induced liver failure is not from intentional self-harm but from people taking too much acetaminophen over time while trying to manage pain. Patients with chronic pain conditions who use acetaminophen for extended periods are particularly vulnerable, as they may unknowingly exceed safe dosing limits by combining multiple products or taking doses that accumulate to toxic levels. These findings support the recommendation that pain relievers should not be relied upon as a long-term strategy for managing soft tissue injuries.
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