Abstract

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF OVERLAP CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDER THROUGH AYURVEDA: A CASE REPORT

Chinmayi C. S.*, Mahesh Sharma M. and Srinivasa S.

ABSTRACT

Overlap Connective Tissue Disorder is characterized by presence of at least two connective systemic autoimmune diseases such as Scleroderma and Sjogren’s syndrome. Scleroderma is a multisystemic, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder. The pathological processes involved are collagenous fibrosis of skin and organs, small vessel vasculopathy and disease specific autoantibodies. Sjogren’s syndrome is an Autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth and systemic diseases. According to Ayurveda, the inflammatory response is triggered by ama. When the ama gets associated with prakupita Vata, does dooshana of Rasadi dhatu and manifests symptoms of this complex syndrome. In the present case, a 56 years old female diagnosed with Overlap Connective Tissue Disorder having manifestations of Scleroderma and Sjogren’s syndrome was managed on the treatment principles of Uttana and Gambhira Vatarakta (treated with shamanoushadhi aiming at ama nirharana, rakta shodhana and rasayana.) The treatment yielded significant results in reducing the symptoms such as twak vaivarnya, sandhishoola, shotha and hence improved the quality of life of the patient.

Keywords: Vatarakta, Ama, Scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, Overlap Connective tissue Disorder.