Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease - A Single-case Study

Abstract

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder caused by unknown factors. It is considered as a distinct clinical presentation because of the presence of high anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1 RNP) antibodies. The prevalence rate is four times less than that of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), indicating an overall prevalence of 10/100,000.It is characterized by a combination of clinical features of SLE, polymyositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A 36-year-old homemaker diagnosed with MCTD came to the outpatient department, which was managed by the treatment principles of vatarakta (connective tissue disorder in Ayurveda) and kushtha (disease of skin in Ayurveda). Virechana (Therapeutic laxative procedure in Ayurveda) along with oral medications were given for 7 days. The quality of life has been improved within 7 days of treatment. Inflammatory markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein and Visual Analog Scale for itching showed significant reduction.

Keywords

• ayurveda
• kushtha
• mixed connective tissue disease (mctd)
• quality of life
• vatarakta