A CASE REPORT OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDER- AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH

Abstract

Connective tissue disease (CTDs), though rare in kids, is an important cause of morbidity. By general physician mostly misunderstood by rheumatoid arthritis. most of them involve multiple organ systems and are associated with presence of auto antibodies. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common CTD, the others being Juvenile dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, mixed connective disease and Sjogren syndrome. The clinical presentation of CTD in childhood can range from an acute severe illness mimicking a serious infection, to an insidious onset of disease with gradual accumulation of symptoms and signs over weeks to months. The presence of multi-system involvement, evidence of inflammation and lack of any obvious cause should alert a clinician to the possibility of CTD. Diagnosis is usually clinical and features like malar rash, Raynaud’s phenomenon, photosensitivity, oral ulcers suggest a possibility of CTD. Presence of autoantibodies like anti-nuclear antibodies etc. provide supportive evidence to a diagnosis of CTD. Most CTDs are treated with immunosuppressive drugs with good success. The rationale for using Ayurvedic medicines is to restore normal life style and reverse the condition with lesser side effects. Patient of 11 years old was treated with an Ayurvedic formulations to replace the modern drugs. The patient got significant result with the help of Ayurvedic medicines.