Ayurvedic approach in the management of Henoch–Schönlein Purpura (HSP)

Abstract

Background: Henoch-Schonleinpurpura (HSP) is an acute, systemic, immune-complex-mediated, leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by a triad of Palpable purpura (without thrombocytopenia), Abdominal pain and Arthritis. Most patients have an antecedent upper respiratory illness. More than 90% of HSP cases occur in children younger than 10 years; however, adults with this condition are more likely to experience complications than children. All patients with HSP develop a Purpuric Rash, 75% develop Arthritis, 60-65% develop Abdominal pain, and 40-50% develop Renal disease. The signs and symptoms of HSP can be related to RaktaPradoshajaVyadhis in Ayurveda. The intake of raktapradoshajanidanas and pitta prakopanidanas (aharas and viharas) eventually leads to the progression of the disease pathology. The patient often presents with symptoms like vyanga(pigmentation), daha(burning sensation), kandu(itching), rukshata(dryness), raga(redness) over skin, udarashoola (colicky pain) and sandhi vedana(joint pain). Aim: To evaluate the role of Ayurvedic management of HSP (Raktapradoshajavyadhi) and to demonstrate how Panchakarma treatments maybe effective in managing auto-immune disorders like HSP.Materials &methods: In this case study a female subject aged 13 years diagnosed of HSP was treated with Panchakarma treatments (Bahir-parimarjana and Antah-parimarjanachikitsa) over a period of 7 days and results were observed.Results: Striking and noteworthy changes in the symptoms were observed by Ayurvedic management.