Diffuse systemic sclerosis managed with ayurvedic treatment modalities - A case report.

Area of Science:

• Ayurvedic medicine
• Integrative medicine
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Diffuse systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a severe autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems.
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) associated with systemic sclerosis significantly increases mortality risk.
• This case involves a 25-year-old female diagnosed with diffuse systemic sclerosis, ILD, sclerodactyly, digital ulcers, and calcinosis.

Observation:

• The patient's complex symptomatology was analyzed through the lens of Ayurvedic principles, focusing on dosha predominance and qualities.
• A multi-faceted Ayurvedic treatment protocol was implemented, including specific medicated enemas (Matrabasti, Yogabasti) and oral medications.
• The treatment regimen incorporated traditional Ayurvedic formulations such as Mahamasha taila, Dhanvantara taila, Dashamoola ksheera paka, Rasna yoga raja, Yogendra rasa, Vasakasava, Drakshadi paka, Kaishora guggulu, Raktapachakaghana vati, and Mahatiktaka ghrita.

Findings:

• After 1 to 1.2 years of continuous Ayurvedic treatment, the patient exhibited marked improvements in her health.
• Key positive outcomes included relief from joint pain, normalization of appetite, weight gain, re-establishment of menstruation, and significant healing of digital ulcers.
• The case demonstrates a positive response to Ayurvedic interventions in managing a severe and complex presentation of systemic sclerosis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential of Ayurvedic medicine in managing chronic and severe conditions like diffuse systemic sclerosis with ILD.
• The findings suggest that an individualized Ayurvedic approach, based on understanding disease pathology through dosha and guna, can be effective.
• Further research into Ayurvedic treatment protocols for systemic sclerosis and its complications is warranted to explore its role in integrative healthcare.