Management of juvenile spondyloarthropathy through Ayurveda:- a case report

Juvenile Spondyloarthropathies are the inflammatory arthritis before the age of 16 years and are characterized by the involvement of both synovium and enthesis leading to spinal and oligoarticular peripheral arthritis, principally in genetically predisposed (HLA-B27) individuals. These arthropathies are having poorer chance of remission with conventional treatment in comparison to other juvenile arthritis; with less than 20% going into remission within five years of diagnosis. This paper is a retrospective observational study of this condition in one patient receiving Ayurvedic treatment in Paediatric Unit of Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan. A 15 years adolescent boy with the complaints of inability to stand and walk due to pain and swelling in large joints of body; was carried to Balroga OPD by parents. On the basis of history, physical examination and investigations, the condition is diagnosed Aamavata as per ayurvedic approach and juvenile spondyloarthropathy as per modern medical science. This case is managed on the principle of treatment of Aamavata with administration of Ajamodadi churnam and Mishreya ark as deepana-pachana drugs followed by administration of Simhnad Guggulu and Lakshadi Guggulu with Maharasnadi kashayam and Dashmoolaristam for 3 months. Rheumayoga gold was also given from 4th week onward for 3 months. Panchkarma in the form of Baluka swedana and Kshara basti was also administered for 2 weeks after one month of oral medication. This treatment results in complete remission of all the signs and symptoms including pain and swelling of joints. The case is followed up for next three years without any relapse or progression in the disease. The case study infers that early intervention of Ayurvedic treatment in juvenile spondyloarthropathies may result in complete remission as well as may prevent progression of the disease. The case study provides a good hope for the management of this ailment as well as new ray for research.