Effect of Ayurveda Management on Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites-A Retrospective Cohort Study

Liver cirrhosis with ascites is a challenging medical condition. Ayurveda Clinical experiences suggest of a favourable role but lacks evidence. In a Retrospective cohort study, hospital records of patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites diagnosed though medical ultrasonography, treated at in patient division, department of Kayachikitsa, Medical Research Facility of KLE Ayurveda Hospital Belagavi were screened. Records with Nityavirechana procedure, minimum of 7 days of admission, proper documentation and meeting the other inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study. Assessment were abdominal girth measurements at umbilicus, Xiphisternum to umbilicus measurement, Umbilicus to pubic symphysis measurement, weight, clinical global impression (CGI) scales (Severity, improvement and efficacy index), hemoglobin, liver function tests, Prothrombin time, INR and renal function tests. Fifty five case records met the methodological criteria of the study. Patients were suffering from stage 3, decompensated cirrhosis and Child-Turcotte-Pugh Score was in class C. Analysis of 15 days of interventions was carried out. Assessments were carried out at base line, 7^th, 9^th, 11^th and 15^th day of treatment. Interventions included nitya virechana, oral medicaments, diet, salt and fluid restrictions. Ayurveda interventions resulted in significant improvement (p<0.001) at all time points in various parameters of abdominal measurements, weight, CGI scales, hemoglobin, liver function tests, prothrombin time, INR and renal function tests. Study showed complex Ayurveda interventions through nitya virechana, oral medications, diet, fluid and salt restrictions improve the clinical profile, liver function, renal function, prothrombin time, INR parameters in patients of ascites with decompensated cirrhosis and warrants further studies.