Role of Panchakarma in management of Autoimmune Inflammatory Polymyositis : A Case Study

Abstract

Polymyositis (PM) is a rare idiopathic-inflammatory-myopathy characterized by symmetric proximal muscle weakness and elevated muscle-enzymes. The estimated annual incidence has been reported to be 1/250,000 new cases/year. In Ayurveda the symptoms of this disease can be broadly studied under the spectrum of Dhatugata Jwara explained in Charaka Samhitha Jwara Adhikara. The contemporary science opines that there is no cure for polymyositis and treatment ranges from medications (high dose of corticosteroids) to physical therapy to improve muscle strength and function. Adverse effects associated with long term use of corticosteroids are the major drawbacks. So, an efficient Ayurvedic Treatment that can improve the condition and also overcome the adverse effects of corticosteroids and its dependency is the need of hour. A diagnosed case of AutoimmuneIdiopathic-Inflammatory-Polymyositis patient aged 32years visited Panchakarma OPD, GAMC, Bangalore. These symptoms mimicked Dhatugata Jwara with its Adhistana in Mamsa. Thus, its line of treatment was adopted here i.e. patient was administered with Pachana-Deepana-Jwaraharachikitsa initially followed by Virechana and 2 courses of Yapana Basti along with Abyanga and DashamoolaYasti Ksheeraseka externally. The dose of tab Wysolone and tab Methotrexate was slowly tapered. By the end of 2 months of our treatment, Patient was relieved with above symptoms and there was marked reduction in CPK(3770IU/L) and devoid of tab Wysolone with only Methotrexate 5mg once a week. Thus, the above case study has shown that the autoimmune disorders such as Polymyositis can be managed effectively in Ayurveda by undergoing regular Shodhana and following the regimens accordingly.