1. Introduction
Mr. Selvamageswaran, an operational officer, suddenly experienced severe health issues, including relentless headaches, vomiting, and significant fatigue. Concerned about these sudden changes, he visited AJ Hospital in Mangalore, where tests revealed a critically low hemoglobin level and SLE. Despite immediate treatment, his hemoglobin continued to drop, leading to a diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia. In search of effective care, he transferred to KMC Hospital, where a rigorous steroid regimen. Seeking a holistic approach to improve his health, he turned to natural treatments and enrolled at SLNS Nature Cure Hospital to explore better healing options.
2. Patient information
Name: Mr. Selva mageswaran
Age: 32 years
Sex: Male
Occupation: LPG plant officer
Selva Mageswaran was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2017 after experiencing initial symptoms such as dizziness, persistent vomiting, and hematuria, which indicated systemic inflammation. Over time, his condition progressed, leading to severe edema in both legs, suggesting compromised renal function associated with SLE. Systemically, Selva’s severe fatigue profoundly affected his daily activities and quality of life, a hallmark of SLE that is often linked to persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation. Hemolytic anemia, another significant symptom, caused by the premature destruction of red blood cells, further contributed to his weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. This condition exacerbated his overall energy depletion, making recovery and daily functioning more challenging.
Eventually, he underwent a left-leg amputation below the knee, likely due to complications such as poor circulation or infection. Following the amputation, he experienced tingling sensations, pain, and phantom limb pain, reflecting nerve involvement and the psychological toll of limb loss.
Despite no family history of autoimmune diseases or previous medical conditions, the chronic nature of SLE caused significant psychological distress for Selva. The dependence on medications and the uncertainty of long-term health outcomes added to his emotional burden.
3. Medical history:
| S.No | Medication History | After Treatment | Mechanism |
| 1 | Prednisolone10 mg 1-0-0 | 1/2-0-0 | Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates the immune system to prevent tissue damage. |
| 2 | Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg 0-1-0 | Tapered | Modulates immune cell activity and inhibits antigen presentation to reduce inflammation and prevent damage. |
| 3 | Pregabalin 75 mg 0-0-1 | Tapered | Modulates calcium channels to decrease neurotransmitter release, reducing pain signal transmission. |
| 4 | Pantoprazole 40 mg 1-0-0 | Tapered | Inhibits the proton pump in stomach lining to reduce gastric acid secretion, minimizing risk of GI irritation. |
| 5 | Duloxetine 20 mg 0-0-1 | Tapered | Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, improving mood and reducing chronic pain perception. |
The benefits of tapering medications in a naturopathic approach were evident in this case. Prednisolone, initially prescribed at 10 mg, was tapered to half the dose, effectively suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating the immune system to prevent tissue damage. Hydroxychloroquine, used at 200 mg to regulate immune activity and inhibit antigen presentation, was gradually tapered, reducing inflammation and preventing further damage. Pregabalin, prescribed for pain management at 75 mg, was tapered, effectively decreasing neurotransmitter release and reducing pain signal transmission. Pantoprazole, initially used at 40 mg to inhibit proton pumps and minimize gastric acid secretion, was also tapered, minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. Lastly, Duloxetine, prescribed at 20 mg to improve mood and reduce chronic pain by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, was carefully tapered, providing both physical and psychological benefits.
4.Naturopathic and lifestyle intervention:
Dietary Changes: Anti-inflammatory and lectin-free diet. Iron-rich meals to address anemia.
Natural Therapies: Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy and yoga for joint pain relief. Relaxation techniques for stress management.
Supplements: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Omega 3 Fatty acids , Probiotics and CACAO.
Herbal Therapy: Nelausiri, Paneer dodda, Triphala, Detox tea, Relax tea and Chlorella.
5.Results and follow ups:
| S.No | PARAMETER | BEFORE TREATMENT | AFTER TREATMENT |
| 1 | HS CRP | 19.01 | 6.5 |
| 2 | VITAMIN D3 | 54.3 | 99.9 |
| 3 | VITAMIN B 12 | 409 | 639 |
| 4 | AVERAGE BLOOD GLUCOSE | 68 | 78.44 |
| 5 | SERUM CREATININE | 0.67 | 0.64 |
| 6 | HS-CRP | 19.01 | 6.5 |
| 7 | LIPOPROTEIN A | >100 | 34.4 |
| 8 | UIBC | 138.9 | 244.2 |
| 9 | TIBC | 212.5 | 301.2 |
| 10 | SERUM COPPER | 189.03 | 100.02 |
The treatment resulted in significant improvements across various health parameters, promoting better overall well-being. HS-CRP, an inflammation marker, decreased from 19.01 to 6.5, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation-related conditions. Vitamin D3 levels rose from 54.3 to 99.9, enhancing bone health and immune function. Vitamin B12 improved from 409 to 639, supporting nerve health and energy production. Average blood glucose increased from 68 to 78.44, reaching a healthier range. Serum creatinine showed a slight improvement from 0.67 to 0.64, indicating better kidney function. Lipoprotein A dropped significantly from >100 to 34.4, reducing cardiovascular risks and improved immune function. UIBC and TIBC levels improved from 138.9 to 244.2 and 212.5 to 301.2, enhancing iron metabolism. Serum copper was reduced from 189.03 to 100.02, balancing trace mineral levels. These changes collectively contribute to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced vitality.
EULAR Scale:
| Criteria | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| Clinical Domains | ||
| ANA Test | Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test | Negative antinuclear antibody (ANA) test |
| Autoimmune hemolysis | Severe anemia, scored 4 | No symptoms of anemia, scored 0 |
| Mucocutaneous changes | Alopecia, oral ulcers, acute cutaneous lupus, scored 10 | No alopecia, oral ulcers, or acute cutaneous lupus, scored 0 |
| Fever | Intermittent fever, scored 2 | No fever symptoms, scored 0 |
| Joint Involvement | Joint pain/swelling, scored 6 | Persistent joint pain/swelling, scored 6 |
| Total Clinical Domain Score | 22 | 6 |
| Immunological Domains | ||
| Presence of anti-dsDNA antibody | Contributing 6 to the immunological score | Contributing 6 to the immunological score |
| Total Immunological Score | 6 | 6 |
| Overall EULAR Score | 28 | 12 |
Symptom Tracker
| S.No | SYMPTOM | SCORE (0-4)BEFORE TREATMENT | SCORE (0-4)AFTER TREATMENT |
| 1 | TROUBLE SLEEPING | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | MOBILITY | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | LOSE WEIGHT | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | CONSTIPATION | 3 | 1 |
| 5 | ANXIETY | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | RESTLESSNESS | 4 | 1 |
| 7 | MUSCLE STIFFNESS | 0 | 2 |
| 8 | MUSCLE PAIN/ ACHE | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 23 | 4 | |
6. Discussion:
Mr. Selvamageswaran’s journey highlights his resilience in managing Hemolytic Anemia, SLE, and Bone Tuberculosis through medical and naturopathic care. At SLNS Nature Cure Hospital, treatments like hydrotherapy, yoga, and a plant-based diet boosted his immunity and reduced inflammation. Improvements in Vitamin D, B-12, and adrenal hormones reflect better energy and resilience, showcasing the benefits of combining holistic and conventional approaches.
7.Conclusion:
This experience highlights the transformative impact of a holistic approach to treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. However, with timely medical intervention and a rigorous treatment regimen, his hemoglobin levels were successfully elevated, leading to a noticeable improvement in his energy levels and overall quality of life. After following the recommended interventions, he can now walk easily, feel healthy, and lead a much more active and fulfilling life. The success of this treatment has not only relieved physical symptoms but also instilled a newfound confidence in living a full, normal life. However, through a combination of a personalised diet, lifestyle modifications, and consistent follow-up care, the patient has experienced remarkable improvements and tapered steroids. This case exemplifies the potential of integrative treatments in managing chronic autoimmune conditions like SLE, offering patients a path toward recovery and improved well-being.
The treatment resulted in significant improvements in various symptoms, greatly enhancing the patient’s overall well-being. The ANA test remained negative, confirming no antinuclear antibody presence. Autoimmune hemolysis improved remarkably, with anemia symptoms resolving, reducing the score from 4 to 0 Overall, the total symptom score improved drastically from 23 to 4, demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment in addressing the patient’s health concerns. EULAR score decreased substantially from 28 to 12, reflecting marked improvement in the patient’s condition and quality of life.