1. Introduction
This case highlights the remarkable journey of Mrs. Suba, a 34-year-old woman diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 10 years ago. Her transition from debilitating symptoms to achieving long-term remission exemplifies the potential of integrative care. The report underscores how naturopathic interventions, combined with lifestyle modifications, can help to attain sustained health improvements.
2. Patient Information
Mrs. Suba, a 34-year-old woman, was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus a decade ago and presented with a range of debilitating symptoms that significantly impacted her quality of life. Among her primary complaints were chronic fatigue that left her feeling drained and unable to perform daily tasks, persistent skin rashes that were uncomfortable, and significant hair loss that affected her self-esteem. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia with hemoglobin levels at 6 g/dL, far below normal, causing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. A positive Coombs’ test confirmed autoimmune hemolysis, where her immune system attacked red blood cells.
These ongoing symptoms, coupled with the emotional burden of living with a chronic illness, motivated her to seek a comprehensive solution to improve her health and overall well-being.
3. Medication History
| S.No | Present medication | Medication (After treatment) | Mechanism of the drug |
| 1 | Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200 mg (1-0-1) | Tapered | Inhibits protein synthesis by blocking DNA and RNA polymerase in susceptible organisms |
| 2 | Methotrexate 7.5 mg 1-0-1 (weekly) | Tapered | Promotes adenosine release and inhibits inflammation pathways, reducing pain and disease progression |
| 3 | Methylprednisolone 8 mg (1-0-0) | Tapered | Binds to glucocorticoid receptors to promote anti-inflammatory signals and inhibit proinflammatory signals |
| 4 | Thyroxine 50mg 1-0-0 | Continued | Thyroid Hormone |
Her treatment regimen initially included Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200 mg (1-0-1), methotrexate 7.5 mg (1-0-1 weekly), Methylprednisolone 8 mg (1-0-0), and Thyroxine 50 mg (1-0-0). Hydroxychloroquine worked by inhibiting protein synthesis through blocking DNA and RNA polymerase in susceptible organisms, helping manage her autoimmune symptoms. Methotrexate, administered weekly, reduced pain and slowed disease progression by promoting adenosine release and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. Methylprednisolone 8mg, a corticosteroid, provided anti-inflammatory benefits by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, reducing both proinflammatory signals and associated symptoms. Thyroxine was continued to support thyroid hormone levels, which remained crucial for her overall health. Over time, Suba gradually tapered these medications, benefiting from naturopathic interventions, leading her to a medication-free lifestyle.
4. Naturopathic and Lifestyle Interventions
Dietary Changes: Anti-inflammatory, lectin-free, and iron-rich diet.
Therapies: Hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, yoga for pain relief and relaxation techniques for stress management.
Supplements: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, cacao.
Herbal Therapies: Nelausiri, Paneer dodda, Triphala, Detox and Relax tea, chlorella.
5. Results and Follow-Up
| S.No | Biomarker | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| 1 | Hemoglobin | 4 g/dL | 10.9 g/dL |
| 2 | Lipoprotein A | 37.42 mg/dL | 33.99 mg/dL |
| 3 | Anti-dsDNA Antibody | 657.93 IU/mL | 324.63 IU/mL |
| 4 | Direct Coombs Test | Positive | Negative |
| 5 | Anti Nuclear Antibody | 4++++ | Negative |
Suba’s remarkable recovery is reflected in significant improvements across multiple clinical parameters. Her Hemoglobin levels increased from a dangerously low 4 g/dL to 10.9 g/dL, enhancing her oxygen-carrying capacity and overall vitality. Her Lipoprotein A levels also saw a reduction from 37.42 mg/dL to 33.99 mg/dL, indicating better management of cardiovascular risk. Autoimmune activity decreased as evidenced by a substantial drop in Anti-dsDNA antibody levels from 657.93 IU/mL to 324.63 IU/mL. Furthermore, her Direct Coombs test, previously positive became negative, marking the resolution of immune-mediated hemolysis. The ANA test, once strongly positive at 4+, also turned negative, signaling the remission of her autoimmune processes and the success of her comprehensive treatment approach.
Eular Scale:
| Category | Parameter | Score Before Treatment | Score After Treatment |
| 1 | Fever | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | Autoimmune Haemolysis | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | Alopecia | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Discoid Lupus Erythematosus | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Joint Involvement | 6 | 3 |
| 6 | Acute Cutaneous Lupus (ACLE) | 2 | 0 |
| Clinical Score Total | 20 | 3 | |
| Immunological Scores | Anti-dsDNA Antibody | 6 | 0 |
| Immunological Total | 6 | 0 | |
| Total EULAR Score | 26/51 | 3/51 | |
Key Changes
- ANA Status: Positive initially; became negative after treatment, which is significant in the resolution of SLE activity.
- EULAR Score Reduction: From 26/51 to 3/51.
- Clinical and Immunological Improvement: Most parameters resolved, with only mild joint involvement remaining.
This clearly demonstrates the significant improvement in clinical and immunological markers post-treatment, reflecting effective SLE management.
Symptom Tracker:
| Descriptor | Normal Score | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| Seizure | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Psychosis | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Organic brain syndrome | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Visual disturbance | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Cranial nerve disorder | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Lupus headache | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| CVA | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Vasculitis | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Arthritis | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Myositis | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Urinary casts | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Hematuria | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Proteinuria | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Pyuria | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rash | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Alopecia | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Mucosal ulcers | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Pleurisy | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Pericarditis | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Low complement | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Increased DNA binding | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fever | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Leukopenia | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 105 | 20 | 2 |
6. Discussion
The integration of naturopathic and lifestyle interventions in SLE management demonstrates potential for significant clinical and immunological improvement. Addressing hemolytic anemia and systemic symptoms through a personalized plan enabled Suba to overcome challenges that persisted despite conventional therapy. Key to this success was the holistic approach targeting inflammation, stress, and nutrition, along with consistent follow-up and monitoring.
7. Conclusion
Our intensive, month-long program, tailored to her specific needs, incorporated a personalized diet plan and targeted therapies. Through this comprehensive approach, we were able to significantly reduce her reliance on medication and alleviate her symptoms. One of the most critical challenges faced was a significant drop in hemoglobin levels. The treatment for hemolytic anaemia, which involved addressing the underlying autoimmune process, has led to a remarkable increase in hemoglobin levels from 6 to 10.9 g/dL. This improvement has directly alleviated symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Furthermore, the management of her underlying autoimmune condition has resulted in a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of her cutaneous and articular symptoms. The persistent skin rashes, significant hair loss, and joint pain have notably resolved completely.
Clinical and Immunological Outcomes
- Resolved symptoms: Fever, anemia, alopecia, cutaneous lupus.
- Joint involvement reduced significantly.
After years of dedicated treatment and transformative care, Suba has achieved what once seemed impossible—she is now declared a non-SLE patient, a testament to the power of holistic healing.
Over the past four years, she has successfully maintained a medication-free lifestyle, a remarkable achievement.
The remarkable improvement in this case study underscores the effectiveness of treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as evidenced by the EULAR scale, an internationally recognized guideline for assessing SLE activity. The total EULAR score decreased from 26/51 to 3/51 and symptom tracker score decreased from 20 to 2, highlighting a significant reduction in both clinical and immunological markers. Key parameters such as fever, alopecia, and autoimmune haemolysis resolved entirely, and ANA status transitioned from positive to negative, signaling a substantial resolution of disease activity. With only mild joint involvement persisting, this case exemplifies the potential of targeted interventions to align with global standards for SLE management, ensuring measurable and impactful patient outcomes