AYURVEDIC PROTOCOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF WILSON’S DISEASE – A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Wilson’s disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) is a rare important autosomal recessive disorder caused by dys- function of the copper transporter ATP7B, which leads to snagging in copper transport by the hepatic lysosomes resulted in the deposition of copper in the brain, liver, kidney, or skeletal system. The symptoms are jaundice, Kayser-Fleischer rings, dysarthria, ataxia, and muscle spasticity etc. Current therapeutic modalities for the manage- ment of Wilson's disease include zinc, trientine, penicillamine etc. In Ayurvedic classics there is no exact correlation is available for this disease entity that exactly matches the feature of Wilson disease, but it can be correlated with Vatavyadhi under the Sahaja Vyadhi (Heredity) or Janamjata Vyadhi (congenital). The treatment1 mentioned for Vatavyadhi is Snehana (oleation), Mrudu Swedana (mild sedation), Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) and Niruha Basti (Decoction Enema). Material and methods: An 18-year-old male patient with Wilson disease complained of short stepping gait, persistent constipation, tremors, changed speech, generalised stiffness, and frequent eye blinking. S. Ceruloplasmin was found to be 18.33 mg/dL (usually 20 mg/dl to 40 mg/dl), S. copper was found to be within normal limits, and a slit lamp assay for the KF ring was negative. Ayurvedic therapy was used in conjunction with oral medicine throughout the treatment. Results: Clinical observations revealed that the patient's earlier symptoms had significantly improved, and he was able to carry out his usual activities with ease. Duration of treatment:three months. Conclusion: From the case study it can be concluded that the Ayurvedic medications and Panchkarma therapy in such patients may help in providing supportive care and improving the quality of life. Keywords: Vatavyadhi, Shaman Chikitsa, Bastikarma, Wilson's disease.