A CASE REPORT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF DUCHENNE’S MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (DMD) WITH MATRA BASTI

Abstract

Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common x-linked disorder in children presenting in early childhood due to recessive mutation of the dystrophin gene. It is characterized by progressive weak-ness in hip and shoulder girdle muscles beginning by age 5. Although there is no absolute cure for DMD, therapies can delay the onset or slow down the progression of disease. Survival beyond the age of 30 years is rare due to the severe chronic complication involving multiple systems. Serum Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) level determination is the most specific objective parameter for the diagnosis and assessment of se-verity of Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Based on the presentation of DMD, it can be diagnosed as Mamsavru-ta Vatal leading to Mamsa Dhatu Upashoshana which is the consequence of Beejabhagavikruti. There will be continuous destruction of Dhatu leading to Vataprakopa again. Hence, the line of management is con-trolling the Vata and preventing the destruction. The best treatment for it which has this dual action is Mat-ra Basti. With this basic concept, a male child of 10 years diagnosed as Mamsavruta Vata was treated with Matra Basti using Dhanwantara Taila 10 ml/day for about 9 months. As there was associated Sama Do-shavastha, Agnichikitsa Lepa was advised for 7 days initially. The treatment showed significant reduction in the level of CPK tested before and after the treatment. Hence, the treatment protocol followed can be taken up for further research and can prove with evidence that, it can be effectively practiced in the man-agement of DMD. The long-term benefit, improvement in disease, quality of life can be accessed through the research with long term follow-ups.