Strength in Inspiring SLE Triumph

1.Introduction:

In 2019, Mrs. Rajitha, during her 7th month of pregnancy, began experiencing troubling symptoms like blood in her stool and bleeding gums. These worsened in the 8th month, accompanied by swelling in her body. Her platelet count dropped critically to 14,000 leading to a transfer to Medicare Hospital, where she received a transfusion, stabilizing her count at 76,000. After delivering a healthy baby girl, she was diagnosed with SLE at NIM’S Hospital, Hyderabad.

2.Patient Information:

Name : Mrs. Rajitha

Age : 28yrs

During the 7th month of her pregnancy (2019), Mrs. Rajitha experienced blood in her stool and bleeding gums. These symptoms worsened in her 8th month, along with swelling in her hands, legs, and body. Admitted to Mission Hospital, a blood analysis revealed her platelet count was critically low at 14,000.

Transferred to Medicare Hospital, she received a platelet transfusion, stabilizing her count at 76,000. She delivered a healthy baby girl at Karimnagar Government Hospital but subsequently suffered from severe joint and body pain. Diagnosed with SLE at NIM’S Hospital, Hyderabad, she was prescribed Wysolin, HCQ, calcium, and iron tablets for three months.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rajitha discontinued her treatment. In 2021, she developed allergies and was treated by at Srinivas Hospital, receiving HCQ for a year, she has faced a lot of side effects due to steroids. During her second pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy led to the removal of her right fallopian tube at Prathima Medical College Hospital.

3.Medication History:

S.No	Medication (Before treatment)	Medication (After treatment)	Mechanism
1	Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 10mg (1-0-0)	Tapered	Prevents antigen binding (inhibit alfa and beta chains to MHC) reduces inflammation.
2	Methotrexate 15 mg (Weekly once)	7.5 WEEKLY ONCE	Diminishing the immune response.Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, causing nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and increased T cell sensitivity to apoptosis.
3	Calcium 500mg + D3 (0-1-0)	Alternate Day	Supplements
4	Folic Acid 1mg (0-1-0)	1-0-1	Supplement used to prevent side effects of immunosuppressive drugs

In an inspiring journey of recovery through integrative medicine , the patient began by taking Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 10mg daily, which was tapered by naturopathy treatment. Methotrexate, initially 15mg weekly, was reduced to 7.5mg weekly, effectively diminishing the immune response. Calcium 500mg with D3 was adjusted to alternate days as a supportive supplement. Folic Acid 1mg intake was increased to twice daily to counteract the side effects of immunosuppressive drugs. This careful medication tapering marked significant progress, showcasing the patient’s resilience and the effectiveness of the treatment strategy of integrative medicine.

4. Naturopathic and Lifestyle Interventions:

Dietary Changes: Anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains); avoidance of processed foods and refined sugars.

Herbal Supplements: Turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha for inflammation and immune support.

Physical Therapies: Yoga and pranayama for stress reduction and flexibility improvement.

Detox Therapies: Herbal teas, fasting, and sauna sessions to remove toxins.

Stress Management: Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and proper sleep hygiene to reduce autoimmune flare-ups.

Hydration: To support kidney health and detoxification.

5. Results And Follow Ups:

S.NO	PARAMETERS	Day 1	Day 20
1	ANA (ELISA Method)	122.52	92.31
2	Vitamin D	11.32	70.29
3	Vitamin B12	165	351
4	Urinary Microalbumin	27.9	5.5
5	Amylase	103	106

In just 20 days, a transformative journey with naturopathy treatment and dietary adjustments, showcasing remarkable improvements in biomarkers. Initially, ANA levels (measured via ELISA) decreased significantly from 122.52 to 92.31, indicating reduced autoimmune activity. Vitamin D levels surged from 11.32 to 70.29, promoting enhanced immune function and bone health. Vitamin B12 skyrocketed from 165 to 351, supporting nerve and blood cell health. Urinary microalbumin dropped dramatically from 27.9 to 5.5, suggesting improved kidney function. Amylase levels showed a stable pattern, measuring 103 and 106 which shows enhances energy production and supports gut health. These results underscore the transformative impact of holistic naturopathic care and dietary interventions on the patient’s health prognosis.

EULAR Scale:

Category	Parameter	Score Before Treatment	Score After Treatment
1	Joint Involvement	6	4
2	Alopecia	2	1
3	Acute Cutaneous Lupus	6	3
4	Thrombocytopenia	4	2
Clinical Score Total		18	10
Total EULAR Score		18/51	10/51

Symptom Tracker

S.No	Symptoms	Before	After
1	Swelling	4	1
2	Restlessness	3	0
3	Muscle pain	3	1
4	Hair Loss	4	2
5	Arthritis	4	1
6	Weakness	3	0
TOTAL		21	5

6.Discussion

Despite facing significant health challenges, including an autoimmune condition, allergies, and complications during pregnancy, Mrs. Rajitha’s prognosis remains cautiously optimistic. With consistent medical management, including adjustments in her medication regimen and addressing underlying health concerns, she is expected to experience stabilization of her symptoms. Monitoring her condition closely, particularly her SLE, along with a holistic approach to health, should help manage the long-term impact of her conditions and support her overall well-being.

7.Conclusion

Rajitha’s experience with joint pain and swelling, which are hallmark symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, significantly impacted her daily life. Initially, she faced severe joint and body pain, likely due to inflammation caused by the disease, which can affect multiple joints, leading to discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This pain is commonly associated with the immune system’s attack on the body’s own tissues, including joints. However, after receiving holistic treatment and adopting naturopathic approaches at SLNS Nature Cure Hospital, Rajitha began to see considerable relief. The combination of natural therapies, such as anti-inflammatory diet adjustments, stress management through meditation, and targeted supplements, helped reduce the inflammation in her joints. Yoga and light aerobic exercises further contributed to enhancing her joint flexibility and reducing the pain, enabling her to regain mobility and experience less discomfort. Over time, with consistent care, the severity of her joint pain decreased, leading to improved quality of life and relief from the debilitating effects of SLE-related inflammation.