Ayurvedic approach for management of Wilson's disease: A case report

Wilson's disease betides due to mutation in ATP-7B that leads to snagging in copper transport by the hepatic lysosomes resulted in the deposition of copper in the brain, liver, kidney or skeletal system. The symptoms are jaundice, edema in legs, ascites, Kayser-Fleischer rings, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, dyskinesia, and muscle spasticity. Current therapeutic modalities for the management of Wilson's disease include zinc, trientine, penicillamine and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. A 12 year old child diagnosed with Wilson's disease came with complaints of inability to speak, difficulty in swallowing and generalized stiffness for 6 months. His investigations showed SGPT 43 U/L, Ceruloplasmin 0.03 g/L, urine copper level 225.03 μg per 24 h, a chronic parenchymal disease in the liver and splenomegaly. According to Ayurveda, this case of generalized stiffness with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly was correlated with Agnimandya at the Dhatu level that led to Vatavyadhi, Yakrutodara, and Plihodara. The treatment mentioned for Vatavyadhi is Snehana (oleation), Mrudu Swedana (mild sudation), Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) and for Yakrutodara and Plihodara is Niruha Basti (Decoction Enema) and Anuvasana Basti (oil enema). The case was treated with Abhyanga, Swedana, Basti and oral medication. After treatment, the symptoms were reduced and he was able to extend both lower limbs completely. His urinary copper level came to normal (47.01 μg per 24 h), so, it can be concluded that the Ayurvedic approach and diet modifications in such patients may help in providing supportive care and improving the quality of life.