Efficacy of Integrated Ayurveda treatment protocol in improving Quality of Life in a Pediatric Case of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report

ABSTRACT: Background: DMD is a common X linked hereditary neuromuscular disorder, 1:3500 male births caused by Dystrophin gene mutations at Xp21, which result to progressive muscle fiber degeneration, showing calf pseudohypertrophy, thigh wasting, delayed milestones, cognitive impairement, loss of reflexes, proximal & respiratory weakness, contractures & progressive disability without nervous system involvement. Material & Method: One male patient diagnosed with DMD with complaints of unable to get up from sitting to standing position, unable to walk without support, difficulty in routine activities since 5 yrs. Management included panchakarma therapies, given for 5 months with oral rasayanas and vatahara drugs with 2 irregular follow ups & enhanced quality of life was seen with no any side effects. Objectives: To evaluate the role of Ayurveda intervention in improving quality of life in pediatric DMD. To observe changes in muscle strength, tone, monitor overall health and disease progression and assess functional improvement in daily activities. Results:Over 5 months, regular monitoring of assessment scales, observed progressive improvement in proximal muscle strength, mobility, quality & total CPK shows increased indicating higher muscle activity. Conclusion: As the DMD remains unchangable at the level of genetic basis. Ayurveda interventions gave symptoms relief, improving muscle power, restoring muscle tone of both limbs, slow down progression of disability and better quality of life. Keywords: Adibalapravrittavyadhi, Beejadushti, Total Creatininephosphokinase, Quality of life, Barthel & W-ADL, Brihatchagaladyaghrita.