OA01.04. Ayurvedic management of chronic rheumatoid arthritis with severe deformities - A case report

PURPOSE: Female 62 yrs clinically diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 12. Both wrists are affected, evident swan neck deformity, completely eroded knee joints, and a large venous ulcer on the left ankle. Patient is immobile and is on a wheel chair. She screams with pain even on the mildest touch. Dressing for ulcer was stopped because it was not healing. She was on out patient medication for 6 months, inpatient treatment for 35 days and follow up op treatments. The clinical and symptomatic evaluation depicted a remarkable improvement post Ayurvedic treatment. METHOD: The patient had the first consultation in March 2012. The medicines were changed on April 12th, May 4th, 25th, June 25th, and July 3rd. The internal medicines were Dhanvantaram kashaya, kokilakshaka kashayam, chyavanaprasham, and sukumara lehyam. She took inpatient treatment in julyaugust for 35 days including abhyangam, dhara pizhichil, and kshira vasti. The follow up op treatment continued until december 2012. The patient is being followed up regularly and reports no untoward symptoms. RESULT: Blood parameters CRP 5.24mg/dl (22/3/12), 21.5mg/l (18/7/12), 0.47mg/dl (16/8/12), RA 640IU/ml (22/3/12), 610 IU/ml (18/7/12), 317 IU/ml (16/8/12), HB 10g/dl (22/3/12), 9.5g/dl (18/7/12), 9.1 g/dl (1/8/12), 9.4 g/dl (16/8/12), Symptoms The pain has reduced. Venous ulcer completely healed. Stopped taking pain killers except when there is unbearable pain. Able to move around and do her daily chores except without much strain. CONCLUSION: Even in a chronic case of rheumatoid arthritis that was not responding to modern medication it was found that Ayurvedic treatment could offer significant relief as well as improvement in laboratory parameters.