Ayurvedic management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - A Case Study

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system disorder affecting connective tissues and is auto immune in nature. Prevalence of SLE in India is estimated to be 30 per million people. A 25 year old Indian female came to hospital with complaints of pain and burning sensation on both knee joints especially after walking, anxiety and mood disorders since 4 years. She was a known case of SLE and was taking corticosteroids. Clinical evaluation revealed intermittent fever, discoid rashes on elbows and lower limbs, oral ulcers and occasional severe headache. The case was diagnosed as Pittadhika Vataraktam and Deepana Pachana was started with Amapachana Vvati, Udwartana was started with Yava and Triphala Churna. Snehapana was done with plain Goghrita until Samyak Lakshanas and Virechana was done with Trivrut Avaleha. After Peyadi Krama, Ksheera Basti was done for eight days along with intake of Manjistadi Kwath, Kaisora Guggulu and Guduchi Churna. Pain, edema and burning sensation of both the knees was completely relieved after follow up period. ANA was reduced from 1:1640+++ to 1:160+, while Anti ds-DNA value also got reduced from 80.0 IU/mL+++ to 28.0 IU/mL +. Hemoglobin improved from 7.3 gm % to 10 gm% after treatment. SLE may be correlated with Vatarakta and its line of management may be adopted here.