Unlock your healing journey from SLE

1. Introduction

 A 13-year-old girl, faced a challenging health journey that began at age 12. She presented with recurrent fever, severe headaches, and neck swelling, with her condition worsening despite multiple treatments. Over time, she developed additional symptoms, including dry cough, weight loss, hair loss, skin patches, and joint pain. After consulting multiple hospitals, including AIIMS and CMC Vellore, she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus .

2. Patient Information

Name: XX

Age: 13 years

Gender: Female
Her health issues began at age 12, presenting initially with fever, headaches, and painful lymph node swelling. Despite initial treatments at Rainbow Hospital, her condition worsened, leading to a month-long hospitalization in October, where a biopsy was suggested but declined. Further consultations revealed gallbladder stones, weight loss, skin changes, and joint pain, culminating in a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at CMC Vellore.

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.

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. Manthena Sir recommended SLNS Hospital for advanced care and specialized treatments to support your health journey.

3.Medication History:

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 (1-0-0)	(1/2-0-0) Tapered 15mcg	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)	Tapered	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.

Tapering medications provides significant benefits by minimizing side effects and promoting the body’s natural balance. Pantoprazole (40 mg) was reduced to half (1/2-0-0), effectively controlling stomach acid while lowering dependency. Prednisolone (30 mg) was tapered to 15 mcg (1/2-0-0), ensuring anti-inflammatory benefits while reducing withdrawal risks. Hydroxychloroquine (150 mg) remained stable (0-0-1), maintaining its role in autoimmune management. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 supplementation were discontinued after stabilizing levels, reducing external reliance, while monthly Calcirol soft gels continue to enhance calcium absorption, supporting bone health and immunity. This approach optimizes treatment while encouraging the body’s resilience.

4. Naturopathic and Lifestyle Interventions :

Dietary Management: Anti-inflammatory diet, herbal supplements (Turmeric, Ashwagandha), yoga, and mindfulness practices.

Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques, improved sleep hygiene, and regular hydration.

5.Results and Follow Ups:

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

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 to 57.9 from 61.4, reflecting stable liver and bone health. However, ferritin levels decreased from 6.9 to 2.9, while cortisol levels gets balanced. Overall, these changes highlight the positive impact of holistic approaches on health.

Symptom Tracker

S.No	SYMPTOM TRACKER	BEFORE	AFTER
1	Hair loss	4	2
2	Joint Pain	5	1
3	Lethargy	4	0
4	Restlessness	4	0
5	Irritability	3	0
6	Dry skin	4	2
7	Weight loss	5	2
	TOTAL	29	8

EULAR Score

Category	Parameter	Score Before Treatment	Score After Treatment
1	Joint Involvement	6	1
2	Alopecia	2	1
3	Acute Cutaneous Lupus	6	2
4	Fever	2	0
Clinical Score Total		16	4
Total EULAR Score		16/51	4/51

6.Discussion:

Her health has significantly improved after 20 days of naturopathy and medical treatment. Her biomarkers have shown positive changes, and her clinical symptoms, including joint pain and skin lesions, have alleviated. With ongoing medication and lifestyle adjustments,her prognosis is favorable, allowing her to regain energy and return to a more active lifestyle. Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor her condition and ensure continued progress.

7.Conclusion:

Addressing her chronic symptoms, including recurrent fevers, joint pain, and skin changes, the holistic treatment focused on reducing systemic inflammation and enhancing immune modulation. Dietary modifications emphasized anti-inflammatory foods, aiding digestion and alleviating gallbladder concerns. Regular therapeutic fasting and detox protocols supported lymphatic drainage and reduced swelling. Hydrotherapy and yoga therapy targeted joint stiffness and morning discomfort, restoring mobility. Herbal supplements, like turmeric and ashwagandha, further supported her immune system. Over time, She experienced a remarkable reduction in her symptoms, regained her vitality, and achieved a balanced state of health without invasive procedures.