Abstract

POST CHIKUNGUNYA ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH INDIVIDUALISED HOMOEOPATHY- A CASE STUDY

Dr. Tushita Thakur, B.H.M.S., M.D. (Hom.)

ABSTRACT

Polyarticular arthritis with swollen tender joints and severe debilitating pains leading to immobilization is a common symptom of Chikungunya fever. In a majority of the patients, the joint pains resolve in 1 to 3 weeks. However, symptoms may persist in about 33% of patients for 4 months, 15% for 20 months and in 12% of the patients for 3-5 years.[1, 2, 4, 5] This persistent joint pain may require analgesic and long-term NSAID therapy which often does not provide adequate pain relief and is associated with serious GI and cardiovascular side effects.[10] Homoeopathic literature mentions a large number of medicines that have proven efficacy for joint pains.[11,12] It is therefore relevant to explore the efficacy of Homoeopathic treatment for post Chikungunya Arthritis. This study reports 20 cases who complained of persistent joint pains with or without swelling after suffering from fever that met the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) clinical and epidemiological criteria[3] for Chikungunya fever; and agreed to discontinue analgesics during homoeopathic treatment. VAS scale and musculoskeletal examination criteria[13] were used to assess the efficacy of treatment. The results indicated significant improvement in pain, tenderness, swelling and range of movement. Homoeopathy can be effective for treatment of post chikungunya arthritis which is evident from the p value (P=1). We need randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size and longer follow up duration to conclusively establish these findings.

Keywords: Chikungunya, Post chikungunya arthritis, Homoeopathy.