“13-Year-Old Overcomes SLE, Experiences Health Breakthrough”
Sanjana, a 13-year- young girl, began facing serious health issues at the age of 12. By September, she developed recurrent fever, severe headaches, and painful swelling in the right side of her neck. Initially diagnosed with a viral disease at Rainbow Hospital in Vijayawada, she was given Dolo 65 and azithromycin, which provided only temporary relief. However, her symptoms soon returned with a persistent dry cough. By October, her condition worsened, leading to a month-long hospitalization at Rainbow Hospital. Although doctors suggested a lymph node biopsy, her family chose to seek a second opinion at AIIMS Hospital.
At AIIMS, Sanjana’s condition continued to decline. She experienced significant hair loss and lost 4 kgs within a month. Pink spots and white scaly patches appeared on her hands and legs, causing further concern. Investigations revealed she had gallbladder stones (10.7mm) and persistent joint pain, especially in the mornings and during winter, indicating a systemic issue. A visit to CMC Hospital in Vellore finally provided a diagnosis: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease.
| S.No | Present medication | Medication (After treatment) | Mechanism of the drug |
| 1 | Pantoprazole sodium sesquihydrate 40mg (1-0-0) | (1/2-0-0) | Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in the stomach lining. |
| 2 | Prednisolone 30mg (3-0-0) | (3-0-0) | It binds to the glucocorticoid receptor inhibiting proinflammatory signals and promoting anti-inflammatory signals. |
| 3 | Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 150mg(0-0-1) | (0-0-1) | Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by inhibiting DNA and RNA polymerase. |
| 4 | Calcium carbonate and vitamin D3(0-0-1) | (0-0-1) | Supplements |
| 5 | Calcirol soft gel – once in a month | ONCE IN A MONTH | Calcirol soft gel delivers vitamin D, enhancing calcium absorption in the gut, improving bone health and immune function. |
MEDICATION TITRATION
The prognosis with the tapered medication regimen appears positive. Pantoprazole’s reduced dosage should maintain acid suppression while minimizing side effects. Prednisolone, continuing at the same dosage, will manage inflammation effectively. Hydroxychloroquine, unchanged, will consistently inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible organisms. Daily calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 will support ongoing bone health, while monthly Calcirol soft gel will ensure adequate vitamin D levels for optimal calcium absorption and immune function. This regimen, if followed correctly, should lead to improved health outcomes and symptom management.
| S.No | Parameter | Day 1 | Day 20 |
| 1 | HEMOGLOBIN | 11 | 12.7 |
| 2 | LYMPHOCYTE AC | 62 | 5.36 |
| 3 | VITAMIN B-12 | 185 | 440 |
| 4 | ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE | 61.4 | 57.9 |
| 5 | FERRITIN | 6.9 | 2.9 |
| 6 | HOMOCYSTEINE | 21.7 | 14.14 |
| 7 | CORTISOL | 3.64 | 5.37 |
TREATMENT FORECAST
Following 20 days of naturopathy and yogic interventions, notable improvements in biomarkers reflect enhanced health outcomes. Hemoglobin increased from 11 to 12.7, indicating improved oxygen-carrying capacity. Vitamin B-12 levels rose significantly from 185 to 440, supporting better energy and metabolic function. Homocysteine levels dropped from 21.7 to 14.14, suggesting reduced cardiovascular risk. Alkaline phosphatase slightly decreased, reflecting stable liver and bone health. However, ferritin levels decreased, indicating potential iron deficiency, while cortisol levels increased, which may require further monitoring. Overall, these changes highlight the positive impact of holistic approaches on health.