Glycogen Storage Disorder: An Ayurvedic anticipation

A developmental disorder of the children is the most commonly met clinical condition in the OPD and IPD of Vaidyaratnam P S Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal. One fine morning, an anxious couple dropped up into the Paediatric OPD, with their five year old child, named Farhan as he hitherto did not attain the ability to walk independently. The child also complained of abdominal distension, recurrent respiratory infections and recurrent diarrhoea. There was also observed a marked atonicity of the body muscles.

The case was not a previously diagnosed one as it was his first approach for a medical reassurance. At the first glance, it seemed to be a yet another case of developmental disorder; as accounting for nearly 1/3rd of the in-patients in this institution. As the patient belonged to an unprivileged family, diagnostic investigations could not be advised for initially.

So, a through preliminary clinical examination was conducted which revealed enlargement of the liver. At this moment, the suspicion was roused that whether an underlying metabolic cause predisposed this liver enlargement. So, it became inevitable to advise further investigations. Thus, Serum Lactatate and Serum Pyruvate were measured, however were found to be within normal physiological limits. The liver functions were analyzed which showed an elevated SGPT and Bilirubin concentrations, though it was not clinically perceivable.

The Fasting Blood Sugar was noted to be very lower than normal. These observations guided the diagnosis of the case to Glycogen Storage Disorder. Hunting for the causes of this clinical condition, it was learnt to be caused by either a genetic predisposition or may be a resultant of a toxic accumulation in the body. Analysing the condition with an Ayurvedic viewpoint, it was understood to be an outcome of accumulation of morbid metabolic toxins in the body. This was in turn precipitated by a diminished execution of the digestive and metabolic activities in the body- both at the level of GIT as well as at the tissue level. As the Ayurvedic principles in such clinical conditions lay down, the treatment was aimed to be ensuring a proper mobilization of the accumulated morbid metabolic toxins at the tissue levels and to enhance the digestive and metabolic ability of the involved organs of the GIT.

Simultaneously, with the clearing off of the accumulated toxins the rejuvenation of the individual cells of the body was held as a concern of equal importance. Following these principles, the patient was subjected to gentle massage with the bolus prepared of medicated powders dipped in warm sour and fermented gruel. Internally, Vilwadi Tablet, Sudarsana Tablet, Indukantham Decoction and Dadimasthaka Powder were prescribed. Along with, Piper longum powder, known for its rejuvenating capability (in metabolic disorders of liver and spleen) was also advised internally.

Gradually, to our utmost contentment, the diarrhoea and abdominal distension was found to be markedly relieved and the child appeared to be much cheerful. Meanwhile, Liver Biopsy was performed which confirmed the diagnosis previously made. The Renal functions were monitored, however, were within normal ranges. Subsequently, the FBS was also improved significantly. Surprisingly, by the 45th day of the treatment, the patient who was carried down to the OPD some days back by his parents started walking by him.

Leave a Reply