Effective Ayurvedic Management of Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome - Case Study

Nephrotic syndrome presents with heavy proteinuria (3.5 g Proteins/ 1.73 m2 body surface area/24 hour), dyslipidaemia/ hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminema, edema and hypertension. If left untreated or undiagnosed, there is progressive damage to glomeruli causing renal failure. Heavy proteinuria is the most characteristic feature of this syndrome. Several studies have noted that higher the 24-h urine protein excretion, more rapid is the decline in GFR. It may be primary or secondary to other systemic diseases. Case study: This 2 year old male child developed Nephrotic syndrome and was placed on steroids, used to relapse when steroids are withdrawn, and subsequently developed steroid resistance. He was poorly managed by modern line of treatment for last 10 years. The case had developed Cushingoid features due to long term use of steroids. This case was successfully managed by Ayurvedic treatment principles of Deepan-Pachan, Vatalunoman and Mutral chikitsa. Steroids were withdrawn gradually and completely. There was no relapse. He was free of proteinuria. His Cushingoid features disappeared. Edema and Ascites also disappeared. This case study is the example of importance of alternative medicine in treating steroid dependent/resistant cases. When modern treatment has definite limitations to treat such cases, it is ray of hope to thousands of poor sufferers of Steroid resistant Nephrotic syndrome, finding them an effective alternative of Ayurvedic treatment. Keywords: Nephrotic syndrome, Steroid resistance, Ayurvedic management, Dridamula Basti Shotha