Pragmatic Ayurveda approach towards End-stage renal disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has different pathophysiologic processes associated with progressive kidney failure and decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is defined as a GFR of <15 mL/min. The primary treatment methodologies of conventional medicines include dialysis, renal transplantation, and nutritional supplements. Globally, CKD has emerged as one of the leading causes of death, and depending on the most recent datasets, it is positioned at the rank of 10 th . Furthermore, Disability adjusted life years ranking for CKD has increased from the 29 th position in 1990 to the 18 th position in 2019. The burden of CKD management in India is high due to several factors, such as a lack of awareness about the disease, inadequate screening, and limited healthcare services. Many individuals with early-stage CKD may not experience any symptoms and, hence, may not seek medical attention until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. This delay in diagnosis can result in significant morbidity and mortality and increased healthcare costs. The cost-effective and noninvasive holistic protocol is a much-needed approach toward the management of CKD. The main objective of such an approach is to reduce the dialysis requirement and promote the rejuvenation of kidney tissues, thereby postponing the demand for renal transplantation. In this report, Ayurveda has been shown to play a significant role in CKD management. As described in the classics, CKD can be addressed in the spectrum of Mutraghata (~urinary retention). In the present case report, the patient was diagnosed as having ESRD, and an immediate renal transplant was being advised. The patient underwent two schedules of Ayurveda treatment that resulted in reduced creatinine levels alongside improved GFR. Documenting these specific clinical outcomes and treatment experiences could inform Ayurvedic approaches to managing CKD progression and its complications.