Assessing Ayurvedic treatment efficacy in Chronic Kidney Disease - A Case Study

Abstract

Evidence-based Ayurvedic practices and clinical studies have been increasingly utilized to assess the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), highlighting their potential as complementary approaches in improving patient outcomes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a focal point in recent years due to its increasing prevalence and the heightened risks of cardiovascular issues and mortality associated with it. In certain instances, CKD can advance to end-stage renal disease, necessitating treatments such as kidney transplantation or dialysis. Although the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) has established guidelines for the diagnosis and classification of CKD, traditional treatment methods often fall short. Kidney transplantation is associated with the best outcomes and enhanced quality of life; however, not all patients qualify, and the assessment process is intricate, compounded by a significant shortage of available organs. Additionally, transplantation typically requires a hospital stay of 4 to 7 days and lifelong immunosuppressive therapy, which necessitates meticulous monitoring of blood levels and raises the risk of infections and certain cancers. While dialysis serves as an alternative, its risk-benefit ratio can limit its overall effectiveness. This is a case report of a male patient having age 64 years who was newly diagnosed as CKD & on regular conservative treatment in modern science. However, due to persistent increase in value of renal profile, he approached to superspecialist OPD Pt. KLS Bhopal. Conversely, a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach seeks to alleviate symptoms, slow CKD progression, and potentially eliminate the need for dialysis. Ayurvedic treatments such as Veertharvayadi Ghana Kwath and Shatvaryadi Ghana Vati have demonstrated potential in enhancing kidney health and rectifying underlying imbalances. For adults experiencing compromised kidney function, particularly those whose conditions have not responded well to diuretics, antihypertensive drugs, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, these Ayurvedic solutions present viable alternatives. They have resulted in clinically significant improvements in serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea, serum uric acid, and electrolyte balance.