All posts by Dr Deepan

Dr DEEPAN P SHAH MD(HOMOEOPATHY) SPECIALISED HOMEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON

SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

Sickle Cell anaemia is characterised by malformed sickle-shaped RBC into blood circulation.

Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell Anaemia

In Normal adult humans the RBC are bi-concave dics shaped and predominantly has Heamoglobin-A.

Heamoglobin-A is comprised of 2 apha-globulin chains and 2 beta-globulin chains. Certain mutations in gene present on chromosome 11 that is responsible for production of beta-globulin chain of heamoglobin results into formation of so-called heamoglobin S.

Heamoglobin S is fragile and less elastic. It deforms the regular bi-concaved disc shape of RBC into sickle-shape which are not only obstructive in nature but also has low oxygen carrying capacity are less elastic resulting into excessive destruction of RBC and anaemia.

Due to reduced electricity of RBC their flexibility reduces which impairs their ability to flex and pass through small capillaries also they get deformed as they aren’t able to maintain their patent form due to loss of elasticity resulting in deformed RBC in sickled shape and also due to the shape they get caught up with each other and causing blockages in blood vesseles resulting into Infarction in corresponding tissue.

These Sickled RBC’s have 1/5th to 1/10th life span (10-20days)compared to life span of normal RBC(90-120days) in healthy individuals also they are being destroyed by our immune system all these factors caused excessive hemolysis and overload on bone marrow which is constantly trying to produce more RBC to compensate loss.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually starts appearing from early childhood like dactylitis frequently presenting as earliest sign in many cases around age of 6mnths with dactilitis usually being the very early symptoms.

SCD patient frequently presents with various mild to severe and lifethreatening symptoms. The severity of disease may vary in each individual.

  • Anaemia
  • Swelling of extremities
  • Delayed growth and puberty
  • Frequent pain in chest, abdomen, head muscles and joints
  • Deterioration of vision to complete loss vision
  • Frequent infections
  • Strokes

Symptoms are due to lack of sufficient oxygenation of various tissues due to reduced oxygen carrying capacity of sickled RBC and also reduced number of RBC(due to destruction of sickled RBC by immune system and reduced life span of sickled RBC’s), blockages of blood vessels supplying various organs causing Infarction, stressed out immune system fighting with sickled RBC’s and its complications.

Sickle Cell Anaemia reduces life expectancy.

Symptoms may vary from chronic symptoms like retinopathy, CKD, hematopoietic ulcers to severe acute complaints like “Sickle Cell Crisis” triggered by dehydration, infections, acidosis and other obscure reasons.

Sickle Cell Crisis:-

Vaso-Occulusive Crisis:-

In SCD, RBC’s due to their low elasticity gets disfigured to assume sickle shape. Due to low elasticity RBC couldn’t easily squeeze out from small capillary lumen and adding to it a sickle shape, entraps them in capillaries and arteries causing obstruction in vessels, reducing blood flow resulting in ischemia or even infarction due to complete obstruction of blood flow. It is the cause of frequent episodes of pain and stroke in SCD patients. Obstruction of arteries supplying vital organs is medical emergency.

Splenic Sequestration Crisis:-

RBCs disfigured due to low elasticity in SCD gets trapped in spleen reducing circulating heamoglobin resulting hypovolemic shock and enlarged spleen. It is medical emergency and patient can die within couple of hours if not treated.

Splenic functions are reduced considerably in SCD patients due to frequent splenic infarctions reducing its capability to remove defective cells and certain organisms from circulation, this reduces immunity of person significantly thus increasing the risk of frequent infections.

Aplastic Crisis:-

Parvovirus B19, which causes reduced production of RBC by infecting and destroying RBC’s precursor cells, is a major concern in SCD patients as the RBC lifespan is 10-20days in SCD patient as compared to 90-120days in normal individuals. So normal individual can easily cope up with reduced production of RBC due to infection as it lasts only few days but in SCD patients, already there is stress on bone marrow to produce more reticulocytes due to increased turnover as result of reduced lifespan of RBC and now adding to it parvovirus B19 infection that reduces production even further to which system cannot cope up in SCD patients and they present with Cyanosis, Tachycardia and severe Fatigue.

Hemolytic Crisis :-

Due to reduced oxygen carrying capacity of RBC there is imbalance between oxygen that body receives and oxygen radicals produced this causes further stress on already stressed out RBC in SCD patients now patients with coexisting G6PD deficiency will contribute to further hemolysis and cause sudden reduction in Heamoglobin levels.

Acute Chest Syndrome

It one of the most common complication accounting for 25% of deaths of all the SCD patients, it is characterised by co-existence of any 2 of the following symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Pulmonary infiltrate
  • Focal abnormality
  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Hypoxemia

SCD patients are at risk of:-

  • Reduced/ Abnormal immunity due to failure of functioning of spleen in SCD patients
  • Strokes
  • Avascular Necrosis of bones
  • Infarction of penis, priapism
  • Osteomylitis
  • Acute papillary necrosis of kidney
  • Hematopoietic ulcers,Leg ulcers
  • retinopathy, proliferative retinopathy, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachments
  • Spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation
  • Sickle cell nephropathy causing CKD
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, LVDD left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, Dyspnoea on slightest exertion
  • Pain crisis of Sickle Cell Anaemia

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic treatment for Sickle Cell Disease is completely dependent on how well and detailed the Homeopathic-case-taking has been done to derive exact constitutional details and individualise each patient as per totality as its a deep genetic disease a deep acting constitutional medicinal force is required to bring about gradual changes in constitution.

Homeopathic Medicines

In case of SCD, indicated homeopathic similimum medicine should be selected strictly as per homeopathic principles of case-taking, individualisation and should be supported with proper repertorisation. Other than regular constitutional medicines patients may require intercurrent homeopathic theraputic treatment during phases of acute exacerbations.

Below acute/theraputic and constitutional medicine list commonly preferred in my practice( for reference purpose only). Not to self medicate in SCD case. Always treat under guidance of qualified and registered homeopathic practitioner.

  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Ruta Graveolens
  • Syphillinum
  • Ferrum Phosphoricum
  • Phosphorus
  • Crotalus Horridus
  • Natrum Muriaticum
  • Arsenic Album
  • Camphora
  • Arnica Montana
  • Lachesis
  • Hyocyamus
  • Naja
  • Aspidosperma Quebracho
  • Apocyanum
  • Borrheavia Diffusa

ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO MOTHER TINCTURE AND ITS ROLE IN COVID-19 SOCIAL MEDIA POST FACT CHECK

Recently during second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India, I have come accross many social media forwards about Aspidosperma Quebracho mother tincture and its Miraculous role in COVID-19 pneumonia and hypoxia, with many claiming extra-ordinary results within few minutes of administering the medicine.

Many of my patients, friends and relatives have asked me curiously about authenticity of the claims of such forwards. Hordes of people even ended up at my clinic asking for Aspidosperma Quebracho Mother tincture. So I thought of clearing the cloud created by certain exagerated social media claims on this remedy and its use in COVID-19 hypoxia; based on my years of experience with this remedy and recently since a year on COVID -19 patients as well.

I have mentioned this remedy in my earlier comprehensive post on COVID-19 disease and its homeopathic treatment that I had posted last year.

Aspidosperma Quebracho is a very common medicine used in homeopathy for treatment of respiratory ailments especially Asthma and its acute exacerbations.

  • Aspidosperma Quebracho since ages is regarded as digitalis of lungs.
  • It is known to promote oxygenation of Red Blood Cells and excretion of Carbonic acid by clearing temporary obstruction in lungs and stimulating respiratory centers thus promoting oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
  • It is indicated in cases with thrombosis of pulmonary artery as found in COVID-19 complications.
  • Also used in patients with breathlessness due to pulmonary oedema caused due to congestive cardiac failure, typically presented as wheezing, coughing, dyspnoea, bloody sputum, shortness of breath -Cardiac Asthma.
  • In patients with dyspnoea i.e. want of breath or shortness of breath due to increased blood levels of Urea and other nitrogenous waste products that are usually excreted by kidneys
  • Reduced Oxygen saturation during walk or on slightest exertion- experienced as want of breath during activity “Dyspnoea on Exertion”.

So, many of the symptoms and conditions that this homeopathic remedy can treat are found in many COVID-19 patients, so its a good remedy that can be administered to COVID-19 patients with reduced oxygen saturation.

In my experience I have not found any extraordinary miraculous results with this remedy within minutes as claimed in social media post, but yes it may help to some extent in COVID-19 patients with reduced oxygen saturation; not instantly but after administration of few doses; by stimulation of respiratory centers, also may help in clearing pulmonary obstructions and pulmonary thrombus.

It may be administered in conjunction, along with regular main stream treatment but it is definitely not a replacement or alternative to oxygen support as falsely claimed by some social media posts.

PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

Pernicious Anaemia is caused due to deficiency of Vitamin B12.

Pernicious literally means deadly, if untreated patient may develop irreversible pathological changes also stomach cancer in many untreated long haulers. Untill adevent of Vitamin B12 treatment it was considered untreatable and fatal but now with proper regular vitamin B12 supplimentation it is easily treated.

CAUSES OF PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

Pernicious Anaemia is a later stage complication of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency may be due to

  1. Dietary insufficiency of Vitamin B12
  2. Lack of Gastric Intrinsic Factor(GIF) due to various pathological factors that may damage Gastric Parietal Cells which produces Gastric Intrinsic Factor eg autoimmunity etc.
  3. Other reasons like partial or complete gastrectomy.
  4. Lack of Hepatocorin due to corresponding gene defect.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

Transportation and Absorption of Vitamin B12

TCN1 gene on chromosome 11 is responsible for production of transcobalamine-1 also called as Heptacorrin which is a glycoprotein secreted by salivary glands binds with VitaminB12 to form Heptacorrin-VitaminB12 complex thus helping transport of acid-sensitive vitamin B12 safely through the acidic medium of stomach into the deudenum region of small intestine.

In deudenum, the proteases from pancreatic enzymes degrade and detach this glycoprotein carrier heptacorrin from Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 in then gets attached to Gastric Intrinsic Factor also called Intrinsic Factor. GIF gene on chromosome 11 is responsible for production of Gastric Intrinsic Factor which is a glycoprotein secreted by parietal cells of stomach.

After attaching to Gastric Intrinc Factor this GIF-VitaminB12 complex is then transported and absorbed by Enterocytes in ileum region of small intestine.

In ileum, the Gastric intrinsic factor is detached and degraded from this GIF-VitaminB12 and Vitamin B12 is relaeased. Vitamin B12 is then taken up by Transcobalamine-2 (TCN2) which is then transported to tissues.

Biochemical Role Of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is required to synthesis 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Homocysteine in presence of vitamin B12 and Methionine synthase produces Tetrahydrofolate and Methionine – Due to deficiency of vitamin B12 there is depletion in this process, which causes accumulation of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate consequently reducing formation of various other folate products required for Thymidylate and Purine affecting DNA synthesis and replication thus hampering maturation erythrocytes (Red Blood Cell) resulting into immature, large and fragile Red blood Cells a picture of Megaloblastic Anaemia a feature of Pernicious Anaemia.

SYMPTOMS OF PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

As described earlier Pernicious Anaemia is a later stage complication of vitamin B12 deficiency. So the patients of pernicious anaemia shows symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency along with general symptoms of anaemia. Typically complicating each other and showing involvement of neurological, Psychological, Gastric, Cardiac, aspects as well.

  • Weakness, lethargy, general debility, malaise, weight loss.
  • impaired growth in children delayed puberty Palor, pale face, mucousa and conjunctiva.
  • Tingling numbness of limbs, altered proprioception, altered gait, muscle weakness, clumsiness, myalgia paraesthsia lower extremities,
  • Subacute combined spinal cord degeneration leading to loss of ankle relfex and increased knee and extensor plantar response.
  • Impaired Urination
  • Brain fog, lack of concentration, lack of alertness, weakness of memory, weak cognition, cant comprehend easily, sluggish response, somnolence, disturbed sleep pattern, anger, irritability, mood swings, depression, psychosis.
  • Gastritis, Hyperacidity, Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), Diarrhoea, Jaundice, Ulcerative Stomatitis, Angular Cheilitis.
  • Tachycardia, cardiac murmurs, altered blood pressure, easily gets exhausted on exertion, Dyspnoea on Exertion.
  • Pancytopenia, hemolysis, pseudo-thrombotic micro-angiopathy.
  • Thyroid disorders

DIAGNOSIS OF PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

Blood teat for Vitamin b12 level and Complete Blood Count (CBC)report is required.

Low Vitamin B12 level and low Heamoglobim parameters pancytopenia with a picture of Megaloblastic Anaemia are suggestive criteria for diagnosis of pernicious anaemia.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

Homeopathic treatment of pernicious anaemia depends upon presenting symptoms which systems are involved and the severity of the condition. it is also important to evaluate whether vitamin B12 deficiency is due to insufficient dietary intake or is secondary to some other pathological condition in body like autoimmune disorders etc. and accordingly the patient should be treated

Supplimenting with Vitamin B12 and increasing food rich in vitamin B12 should be first priority in all the cases to bring back vitamin B12 levels back to normal AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to prevent further damage.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA

Constitutional remedy selection and treatment is recomended for all those who have vitamin B12 deficiency secondary to some other disease condition and not primarily due to imsufficient dietary intake of Vitamin B12.

Few of the Homeopathic remedies which may prove useful varing and depending on cases to case in treatment of pernicious anaemia are listed below

  • KALIUM PHOSPHORICUM
  • NATRUM PHOSPHORICUM
  • CINCHONNA OFFICINALIS
  • FERRUM METALLICUM
  • FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM
  • GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS
  • ARSENICUM ALBUM
  • NATRUM MURIATICUM
  • ABROTANUM
  • ALFALFA
  • LYCOPODIUM
  • CHELIDONIUM MAJUS
  • CARDUS MARIANUS
  • MEDHORRINUM
  • RHUS TOXICODENDRON
  • ARNICA MONTANA

HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS (HLH)

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a type of Cytokine Storm Syndrome caused due to uncontrolled proliferation of morphologically benign Macropages and Lymphocytes secreting copious amount of Inflamatory Cytokines resulting into Hyperinflamation.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HLH

CAUSES OF HLH

Mutations or Single Neuclotide Polymorphism in certain genes gives rise to HLH it can be germ-line defect or may be acquired. There are other factors as well which may cause secondary HLH(sHLH).

  • PRIMARY HLH -Primary that is without any other underlying disease in background it is termed as HLH
  • SECONDARY HLH (sHLH) – HLH secondary to some other primary underlying disease condition or Iatrogenic factors in the backgroung is termed as Secondary HLH or (sHLH)

DISEASES THAT CAUSE SECONDARY HLH (sHLH)

MALIGNANT
  • T-cell lymphoma
  • B-cell lymphoma
  • ALL – Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, 
  • AML – Acute Myeloid Leukemia,
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome
NON-MALIGNANT
AUTOIMMUNE
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
  • Juvenile Kawasaki Disease
  • SLE – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Juvenile/Adult onset Still’s Disease,
  • RA- Rheumatoid Arthritis
IMMUNODEFICIENCY
  •  Severe Combined Immunodeficiency 
  • DiGeorge Syndrome
  • Wiskott – Aldrich Syndrome
  • Ataxia – Telangiectasia
  • Dyskeratosis congenita
INFECTIONS
  • EBV -Epstein Barr Virus
  • CMV -Cytomegalovirus
  • HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • nCoV2019/SARS-CoV-2 probable
  • Certain Bacterias, Fungus and Protozoas

IATROGENIC FACTORS THAT CAUSE SECONDARY HLH (sHLH)

  • Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Organ transplantations
  • Chemotherapy
  • immunosuppressive treatment

PATHOGENESIS OF HLH

HLH is caused due to genetic mutations that may be germ-line defect or acquired

Mutation in gene responsible for decoding a proyien protein in Cytotoxic T-cells and Natural Killer cells which killes virus infected is one of the known factor causing HLH

Genes that have been identified as contributor to HLH are UNC13D, STX11, RAB27A, STXBP2, LYST, PRF1, SH2D1A, BIRC4, ITK, CD27, MAGT1 any SNP or mutation in above mentioned gene that causes decfect in ability to kill virus infected cells or damaged cells.

As the Cytotoxic T-cells and NK-cells lose their ability to kill cells infected with virus or other damaged cells, due to mutation of above mentioned genes, consequently results into uncontroled proliferation of immune system secreting excess quantity of cytokines causing excessive accumulation of Interleukine 1, Interleukine 6, Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha, Tumour Necrosis Factor-gamma, Plasminogen Activating Factor, Ferritin etc.

Now excess of IL1,IL6&TNF-alpha leads to fever

TNF-alpha and TNF-gamma in excessive proportion aslo leads to suppression of Heamtopoesis resulting into Cytopenia and inhibition of Lipoprotein Lipase to stimulate Triglyceride Synthesis.

Excess of Plasminogen Activating Factor and Ferritin secreted by activated macrophages leads to Hyperfibrinolysis.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HLH

In 70% cases the onset is below one year of age.

  • Fever, nausea, vomitting, weakness, debility
  • Hepatomegaly with fatty infiltration in liver
  • Elevated Liver Enzymes
  • Icterus and rashes
  • Spleenomegaly may also show multiple small granulomas in spleen
  • Lymphomegaly may also show calcified nodes
  • Erythrocytopenia- Reduced Red blood cells
  • Leucocytopenia – Reduced White Blood Cells
  • Thrombocytopenia – Reduced Platelets
  • Reduced Serum Albumin
  • Sphingomyelinase elevated
  • Reduced Fibrinogen
  • Elevated Ferritin especially in children of above 10000 is very sensitive and specific for HLH, but no so in adults.
  • Incresase D-Dimer, CRP and ESR

DIAGNOSIS OF HLH

All patient with Hyperferritinaemia combimed with Cytopenia should be suspected for HLH and soon be considered for further investigations without wasting time.

To be clinically corelated with above mentioned sign and symptom of clinical presentation and investigations and bone marrow biopsy as mentioned below

  • Bone Marrow Aspiration and Imprint may show Hemophagocytosis, Cellular Marrow having Dimorphic Maturation with increased Histiocytes and Megakaryocytes

Other Investigations

  • CBC – reduced RBC, WBC and Platelets
  • CRP elevated
  • ESR elevated
  • D-Dimer elevated
  • Serrum Ferritin elevated
  • Liver function Test – liver enzymes elevated
  • Ultrasonography of whole abdomen – Spleen, Liver and Lymphnodes enlarged

Homeopathic Treatment and Medicines of HLH

Its a life-threatening condition and one should not waste time even in suspected cases and all patient with elevated ferritin along with cytopenia should soon be sent for bone marrow biopsy and other confirmatory supportive tests and be kept under constant medical observation.

Homeopathic prescription for HLH should be strictly derived on basis of symptom similarity basis and the potency of homeopathic medicines and repetition of doses should be as per susceptibiloty of the patient and disease symptom and severity as per homeopathic principles.

Homeopathic Medicines for HLH

Below are few homeopathic medicines that could be theraputically indicated and may proove useful in cases of HLH.

  • Aconitum Nepellus
  • Belladona
  • Arsenicum Album
  • Lycopodium
  • Cholestrinum
  • Crategus Oxyacantha
  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Ferrum Phosphoricum
  • Tuberculinum
  • Syphillinum
  • Natrum Muriaticum

Homeopathic medicines for HLH should be strictly dispensed under guidance and observation of homeopathic physician

AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA AIHA

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) also called Immunohemolytic Anaemia is an autoimmune condition where in there are antibodies driven against our own Red Blood Cells. Due to which there is excessive destruction of RBC reducing oxygen carrying capacity of blood.

Pathophysiology

Causes of AIHA

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) is believed to be caused due to genetic predisposition and environmental insults on the genome. Still no specific HLA locus has been found which can be related with AIHA in other words, no Human Leucocyte Antigen association has been established yet.

It can be also be secondary to other Autoimmune diseases, Cancers and Infections as mentioned below

1) Autoimmune diseases

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Scleroderma
  • Autoimmune Hepatitis
  • etc

2) Cancers

  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Other Blood Cancers

3) Infections

  • Mycoplasma infections
  • Cytomegalovirus(CMV)
  • Epstein-Barr Virus
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Infectious Mononeucleosis
  • Viral Pneumonitis
  • Viral Hepatitis

Differentiation of AIHA

Based on optimal temperature required for reaction of autoantibody of IgG class and autologous erythrocytes AIHA can be differentiated into

  • Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia (wAIHA)
  • Cold Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia, further classified into i)Cold Aglutinin Disease (CAD) and ii) Paroxysmal Cold Heamoglobinuria(PCT). These both subtypes can be acute or chronic.
  • Mixed Type
  • Atypical (DAT- negative, IgM -wAIHA)
  • Drug Induced

Classification of AIHA

Clinically AIHA can be clasified as Primary or Secondary

Primary AIHA – It is also called Idiopathic AIHA has no known underlying causative factor and presents itself with hemolysis as predominant feature and other complaints are secondary to it. This type can either be cold or warm thermal relation to reaction mention in above differentiation.

Secondary AIHA – It is usually associated with some primary underlying disease condition. This type usually shows cold thermal relation in reaction that is Cold Agglutinin Disease Category.

Pathogenesis

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia characterises itself by presence of Anti-RBC autoantibodies with or without activation of Complement-Cascade causing excessive destruction of Erythrocytes(RBC).

There are many mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of AIHA. It is a complex scenario with many mechanisms involing Autoantibodies, Phagocytosis, Antibody Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxity, B Lymphocutes and T Lymphocytes, T regs, Cytokines, and Complement System.

Antibody Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC)

Auto-antibodies are formed by both tissue and circulating self reactive B-Lymphocytes in co-ordination with T-Helper Lymphocytes.IgG sub-classes IgG1 IgG2 IgG3 and IgG4 are involved in ADCC.

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and NK cells opsonize the RBC’s with fc portion of IgG for attracting fc receptors on macrophages thus resulting in destruction of RBC by phagocytosis. Occurs in Spleen and lymphoid organs.

Note- Spleenectomy in most cases doesnt have much effect on the disease as in slpeen the erythrolysis is in very lesser proportion in most AIHA cases.

Activation of Final Components of Complement Cascade (Membrane Attack Complex)- DIRECT LYSIS.

IgM dependent- IgM mediated compliment activation results in direct osmotic lysis of RBC, through sequential activation of Membrane attack complex(MAC), in circulation. Also C3b opsonisation of red blood cells by compliment activation results into extracellular erythrolysis by kufper cells of liver, 10 folds more destruction of RBC if compared to ADCC. IgG1 and IgG3 are also responsible in compliment activation to some degree. Majority of erythrolysis is extravascular especially in liver by kufper cells.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms develop gradually over months with presenting symptoms usually proportionate to degree of anaemia

  • General signs of anaemia depending on degree of anaemia like weakness, lethargy, breathless, etc
  • signs of Red blood cell destruction.
  • Heamoglobinuria
  • Spherocytes in RBC morphology
  • Increased LDH
  • Spleenomegaly
  • Hepatomegaly
  • Reticulocytes in Circulation
  • Hepatoglulin
  • Jaundice which may be mild to moderate or even severe
  • Angina

DIAGNOSIS of AIHA

  • COOMB’s Test
  • DAT test
  • CBC
  • LDH

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA (AIHA)

  • Ferrum Metallicum
  • Ferrum Phosphoricum
  • Calcarea Phosphoricum
  • Calcarea Flourica
  • Ruta
  • Calcarea Carbonica
  • Lycopodium
  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Arsenicum Album
  • Lachesis
  • Naja
  • Chelidonium Majus

ANAEMIA

Anaemia can be defined as decreased haemoglobin counts or reduced red blood cell counts or reduced oxygen carrying capacity of blood, due to “loss of” or “abnormality of” red blood cells or haemoglobin.

Normal Heamoglobin Counts

  • 6 months to 5 years of age > 11g/dl
  • 5 years to 12 years of age > 11.5g/dl
  • 12years to 16 years of age > 12g/dl
  • Adult Females (non-pregnant) > 12g/dl
  • Adult Females (pregnant) > 11gm/dl
  • Adult Males > 13g/dl

CAUSES OF ANAEMIA

  • Blood losss
  • Excessive Red Blood Cell destruction
  • Heamoglobinopathies
  • Hypovitaminosis B12
  • Hypoferremia
  • Anaemia of Chronic diseases
  • Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
  • Inflamatory bowel diseases
  • Hypervolemia or water retention due to sodium or other salts.
  • Genetic hereditary conditions like Thalasemia
  • Certain cancers
  • Kidney diseases
  • Reduced erythropoetin production
  • Excessive RBC destruction
  • Impaired RBC production
  • Certain infections like malaria which causes RBC destruction.
  • Certain drugs which causes RBC destruction eg. Quinine causes chinchonism.
  • Bone Marrow lesions and pathologies
  • Etc.

CLASSIFICATION OF ANAEMIA

There are many types of anaemias. It can be broadly classified into 7 categories depending upon their causes

Anaemia due to

  1. Blood Loss
  2. Hemolysis
  3. Impaired or abnormal Erythropoesis
  4. Hypervolemia
  5. Chronic Diseases
  6. Nutritional deficiency

Based on RBC morphology it can be classified into 3 groups

  • Microcytic
  • Macrocytic
  • Normocytic

FEW COMMON and RARE TYPES OF ANAEMIA

  • Iron Deficiency Anaemia
  • Aplastic Anaemia
  • Megaloblastic Anaemia
  • Pernicious Anaemia
  • Sideroblastic Anaemia
  • Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome
  • Thalasemia
  • Fanconi Anaemia
  • Congenital Dyserythropoetic Anaemia
  • Daimond-Blacfan Anaemia
  • Myelopthisis
  • Anaemia of Prematurity
  • Erythroblastopenia or Pure Red Cell Aplasia
  • Hereditary Spherocytosis
  • Hereditary Elliptocytosis

SYMPTOMS

  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • In children it affects growth in general
  • Somnolence, Drowziness in day time
  • Disturbed sleep at night
  • Pallor, general pale appearance of skin, mucous membranes and eyes.
  • Dyspnoea on Exertion.
  • Reduced Immunity, tendency to catch infections and slow recovery and healing.
  • Bodyaches
  • Cyanosis in severe cases
  • Palpitations
  • Tachycardia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Depression
  • Craving for indigestible things , PICA
  • Cold clammy extremities
  • Oedematous swelling of extremities, dependent oedema
  • Angina or cardiac failure in severe cases
  • Will impact general growth and repair of all the vital organs and tissue of the body.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR ANAEMIA

Depending upon the cause of anaemia and general constitution of the patient, one of the following medicines may be called for duty by a homeopathic physician.

  • Ferrum Metallicum
  • Ferrum Phosphoricum
  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Natrum Muriatic um
  • Arsenicum Album
  • Abrotanum
  • Hamamelis Verginiana
  • Pulsatilla Nigricans
  • Janosia Ashoka
  • Crotalus Horridus
  • Lachesis
  • Acidum Phosphoricum

COVID-19

COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019

COVID-19 term is derived from “CO”rona”VI”rus “D”isease 20″19” it is caused due to Novel Coronavirus also known as 2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2. It is commonly known as Wuhan Coronavirus or Wuhan Sea Food Market Pneumonia Virus is an enveloped positive sense, single strand, RNA Coronavirus with a neucleocapsid of helical symetry which can infect and spread through human to human transmission causing flu like illness officially termed by WHO as Covid-19 where “Co” represents CORONA, “vi”represents virus, “d” stands for disease and “19” stands for year of first outbreak 2019.

Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2 Classification

Novel Coronavirus belongs to

  • Realm -Riboviria
  • Phylum -Incertia Sedis
  • Order -Nidoviralis
  • Family -Coronaviridae
  • Genus -Beta Corona virus
  • Sub Genus -Serbecovirus,
  • Virus -2019nCoV or SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus strands that affect humans

Coronaviruses infects mammals and birds there are total 7 known strands that infect humans including 2019nCoV, first 2 strands were detected in 1960’s

  1. Human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E)
  2. Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43)
  3. SARS-CoV
  4. Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63, New Haven coronavirus)
  5. Human coronavirus HKU1
  6. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), previously known as novel coronavirus 2012 and HCoV-EMC.
  7. Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This is the strain that causes COVID-19 disease in humans

Covid-19 Pandemic

The first outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus or 2019nCoV in humans was confirmed and notified to WHO by China on 31/12/2019, when patients from Wuhan province of China were suffering with virus related non specific flu like illness from around 8/12/2019 then later the genome was sequenced to confirm this absolutely new and novel strain of coronavirus 2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2

Within three months of first reported case on 8/12/2019 the coronavirus outbreak that had first started from Wuhan in China had now reached more than 66 countries including India, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA, Vietnam, Singapore etc. claiming more than 3100+ deaths of estimated 100000+ infected as on 8/3/2020. The death toll is constantly rising, in subsequent two months that is by 8/6/2020 almost 6.5 million got infected and almost 4lac deaths.

It will take some time to estimate mortality rate but it seems to be around 2%. Old people and people with other pre-existing disease condition are at higher risk of succumbing to death. With increasing death rate rises steeply with upto 50-70% death rate in symptomatic patients above 60 with hypertension or diabetes or other complications.

Most of the initial cases were from Huanan seafood market so epizootic origin is suspected.Outbreak of this particular strain of coronavirus is for the first time, So its new for human immune system. As the time lapses the affected community will start developing certain immunity against it, which will slow down the progress of transmission and epidemic as time lapses. Also with time and better understanding of virus and its epidemic, the health authorities will be more efficient in containing the disease and its epidemic.

There is a split between science community where in a group suggests that it has originated from snake where as other claims that snake cannot be the probable the reservoir and is probably from mammal reservoir mostly the bats as the genome sequencing shows 96% resemblance of bat coronavirus and 2019-nCoV.

It is postulated that homologous recombination of Clad A bat viruses “CoVZC45 and CoVZXC21” with some unknown Beta-CoV may have formed 2019nCoV

Human to human transmission of novel coronavirus was confirmed till mid January And the damage was done till then. The virus had started spreading at pace unmatched by any other disease witnessed in past 100 yrs.

PATHOGENESIS OF COVID-19 or Novel Coronavirus 2019 Infection

Still the pathogenesis is not been clearly understood but data and study results are fast pouring in and now we have some basic understanding about but there are many missing gaps and needs to be understood and filled up soon.

The Pathogen

The disease causing agent and its full geneome was sequence in December 2019-January 2020, soon after initial outbreak.It was found that the disease causing agent was a virus which had 70% genomic resemblence to SARS-CoV and 50% genomic resemblence to MERS- CoVand they termed it as Novel Coronavirus 2019 or 2019nCoV or SARS-CoV-2 and disease caused by this virus was termed as COVID-19.

Inoculation of 2019nCoV

From initial studies it seems that 2019nCoV attaches to the receptors of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) through an endocytosis process trigerred with the help of spike protein present on surface envelop of the virus . Which are present good quantity on lymphocytes, macrophages, epithelial linning of respiratory mucosa, lungs alveoli, enodthelium of blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and are also expressed by vital organ like heart and kidneys, which we see getting affected in this disease.

Multiplication and Spread of 2019nCoV

Virus not only has capability to attach to ACE2 receptors of upper respiratory tract and inoculate the cells but also has capability to actively replicate in upper-respiratory tract tissue which was demonstrated by isolating virus from swabs of upper respiratory tract with presence of Sub-Genomic mRNA (sgRNA) in cells of upper respiratory tract. There is tropism of upper respiratory tract and shedding of virus.

All of the above factors explains us fast and easy transmission of virus even in early stage of disease as compared to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

Virus predominantly infects through upper-respiratory in majority cases and then gradually by 3-4 days it involves lower respiratory tract and then by second week there is wide spread invasion into bloodvessels and major vital organs like heart, kidneys with general viremia.

Immune Reaction Towards 2019nCoV Infection and Its Consequences

Its not only virus that causes damage to system but also the body’s immune response against the virus is causing damage to the body which is observed by excessive production of early proinflamatory mediators like Interlukine 6 (IL6) Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) Interlukine 1 (IL1), presence of inflamatory infiltrate in lungs. Reduced blood level of T-Lymphocytes and B-Lymphocytes although direct due to viral attack on these cells but also is attributed to redistritbution by immune respone which is demonstrated by presence of comparative more number of T-cell and B-cells at inflamatory sites.

The Cytokine Storm Postulate

There is much evidence to suggest that the initial immune response driven against virus causes activation of coagulation pathway which results in excessive production of early proinflamatory mediators which accumulate overtime leading to vascular hyperpermeability and micro-coagulations resulting from disturbed procoagulant-anticoagulant axis balance due to overt inflamatory response.

Thrombin, known for its primary role in coagulation by activation of platelets and conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, also has multiple cellular effects that may enhance inflamatory response through Protinase-Activated Receptors(PARs).

Thrombin production is tightly controlled by negative feedback loops and physiological anti-coagulants like Tissue Pathway Factor Inhibitor, Antithrombin III and Protein 3. Inflamatory process can significantly reduce the concentration of anti-coagulants this deviates the fine balance of axis between procoagulant-anticoagulant balance that causes multiple micro-coagulations disseminated intravascular clots and multiple organ failure.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS of COVID-19

It shows symptoms that of severe respiratory tract infection giving rise to pneumonia with some gastrointestinal symptoms like other coronavirus infection, Its symptoms are much related to 2003 SARS Epidemic caused due to SARS-CoV.

Most of the patients remain asymptomatic and never get detected many show mild to moderate symptoms this forms the vast majority.

COVID 19 CLINICAL PRESENTATION

  • Almost 98% symptomatic cases of 2019-nCoV(Covid-19) infection presents with Fever
  • Dry Coughing is present in almost 82% of symptomatic cases.
  • Of all the cases sputum production is seen in 25-30% cases and Hemoptysis in upto 5% of all the cases.
  • Fatigue is observed in almost 70% cases approaching medical care
  • Muscle-aches (myalgia) in almost 44% of all the cases.
  • Headaches in almost 13% of all the cases
  • Diarrhoea experienced in 10% cases
  • Vomitting seen in 10% of all the patients
  • Almost 55% of all the cases will develop shortness of breath after 3-8days of initial general symptoms.
  • Almost 20% of all the the cases seem to progress into severe disease with respiratory distress symptoms within a day or two of developing shortness of breath.
  • Few patients go into shock and may develop cardiac arythmias.
  • Of all the cases less than 5-10%(approx) will die due to complications, mostly those who are elderly children or have other prevailing disease condition like diabetes, cardiac diseases, cancer etc.
  • X – ray and CT scan shows bilateral Lungs involvement with Ground Glass Opacities, grey white consolidated patches.
  • Leucopenia -Low WBC count especially lymphocytes – lymphopenia.
  • Increased Neutrophil to Lymphocytes Ratio(NLR)
  • Increased D. Dimer
  • Reduced Prothrombin time
  • Reduction in bleeding and clotting time.

SYMPTOM PROGRESSION

Window period of 2019-nCoV ranges between 2-14days. It takes 2-14 days for symptoms to appear post exposure to virus. Note the patient of 2019 nCoV (Covid-19) can spread infection to others even during this window period l, that is, even before any symptoms starts appearing after first inoculation of 2019-nCoV into body or even any test to decisively test positive.

After window period is over and the symptoms starts appearing the following pattern is seen in progression of clinical symptoms commonly found in most cases.

DAY 1-2 Initially on first 1-2 days patient will show mild fatigue malaise and heaviness of head with mild rise in temperature, few will show a peculiar symptom of Olfactory loss- loss of taste and smell(usually this type of presentation shows mild disease form and has has good prognosis).

DAY 2-3 Gradually the temperature will increase from 2-3rd day with mild irritation in throat.In many this symptom will stop increasing at this stage and will remain mild symptomatic throughout the course of disease, in rest it will progress with fever exceeding 100F, bodyaches, joint pains, weakness

DAY3-4 Fever continues to relapse with dry cough a very few minority might start showing development of shortness of breath even at this early stage.

DAY4-6 Loose motion is frequently encountered on once or twice between 4th and 6thday(in few minority it has appeared right on day one of initial symptoms) this might bring in weakness and exhaustion in patients and those with high fever may be drained even more by accompanying diarrhoea. Few might go into respiratory distress at this stage.

DAY 78 From 7th day onwards in few patients fever starts subsiding a bit but in many it persists and few go into respiratory distress.

DAY 8-9 Now 8th-9th days are important to observe as from here on majority patient’s immune system will develop sufficient immunity and resistance against virus and fight it off from the body and recover. Their fever breaks away and they start feeling better with weakness leaving their body but in few cases there is no recovery at this stage such patients progresses into critical stage either fever continues or breathlessness sets this is when the patient needs be urgently shifted to ICU.

WARNING SIGNS

  • Patients with co-morbidity like Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular or Kidney diseases, Immuno-compromised, Organ failure, Asthma Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD),Cancer, Autoimmune diseases, Severe anaemia, etc.
  • Greater severity of pneumonia at presentation.
  • Elderly patients – Older the age greater the risk.
  • Radio-opacities and/or pulmonary infiltrates on X-ray findings
  • Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of more than 3.13
  • SPO2 level below 95%
  • Increased BUN or Serum Creatinine
  • Increased Liver enzymes SGOT SGPT, Bilirubin
  • Any neurological event
  • Increased D Dimer
  • Increased LDH
  • Reduced bleeding time
  • Reduced Clotting time
  • Reduced Prothrombin time
  • Transeminated intravascular clot.

COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS

There are two types of testing approach one is direct test and indirect test.

1) DIRECT TEST :-

Throat Swab for RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2

detects viral protein through Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR it is gold standard test as it amplifies/enhances virus protein to detectable levels and give most accurate results possible as we are directly detecting virus. But it is comparatively more costly and time consuming. Still it’s recomended as rapid antibody tests(indirect tests) that are available till date are too inaccurate to rely

2) INDIRECT TEST :-

Blood Test for Antibodies IgM and IgG against SARS CoV-2

Herebwe are not directly detecting the virus but we try to find out antibodies formed against 2019-nCoV/ SRAS CoV-2 virus. It is comparatively rapid in nature but not accurate. Presence of antibodies – IgM and IgG against SARS CoV-2 are indicators of past or active

Interpretation of blood test for diagnosis of Covid 19

  • RT-PCR -ve, IgM -ve & IgG -ve Means No current, No past infection or may be window period.
  • RT-PCR +ve, IgM -ve & IgG -ve means early infection no immune response developed
  • RT-PCR +ve, IgM+ve & IgG -ve suggests infection with early acute phase immune response developed.
  • RT-PCR +ve, IgM +ve & IgG +ve means later stage of infection with with longer lasting immune response developed.
  • RT-PCR +ve, IgM -ve & IgG +ve suggests acute phase of infection is recovered and virus is being neutralised and strong immunity is being developed.
  • RT-PCR -ve, IgM-ve & IgG +ve means infection has completely resolved and there is nonvirus in body and patient is non infectiois and has developed certain immunity towards virus for quite some time.

Time Line of Sensitivity of various Laboratory Investigations for Covid 19.

Day 0: Infected (innoculation)

Upto Day 5: Onset of symptoms(variable 2-21days, with 11.2days average)

Day 7: IgM positive – (from Day 7 toDay 21)

Day 14: IgG positive

Day 21: IgM disappears

Days 1-28: SARS CoV2 RNA & Antigens will be positive

Day 28: SARS CoV2 RNA & Antigens disappears

Disease Progression, Antibodies, Viral load, and Infectivity

Day 0 -Day 7: Window Period, Asymptomatic, Only PCR positive in this Phase, negligible Viral load on day 0-1 but viral load starts increasing very speedily and within a couple of days patient from mildly infectious on day 0 and 1, becomes considerably infectious and infectivity keeps increasing with each passing and in no time patient becomes highly infectious by the end of this period.

Day 7- Day 21: Symptomatic, both PCR and IgM Positive, Patient is highly infectious.

Day 14- Day 21: Decline Phase, PCR, IgM and IgG positive, Patient is highly infectious.

Day 21- Day 28: Convalescence Phase,IgM negative, IgG positive, PCR on declining count, Patient is still infectious.

After day 28: most of the patients are recovered and also PCR turns negative,so they are not infectious, IgG remains elevated,

OTHER TESTS

CT SCAN

Chest CT scan along with clinical picture and other blood tests like D.Dimer, CBC, NLR, ABG, CRP and ESR, LDH is also very important tool to give direction in diagnosis especially during pandemic when resources are less for RT-PCR. CT scan pattern may help to establish provisional diagnosis, during pandemic, which later can be confirmed by RT-PCR.

PREVENTION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION DURING TIMES OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

COVID 19 is caused by 2019-nCoV also called SARS-CoV-2. It is a highly contagious virus. The virus can spread even through casual contacts and proximity.

Current studies suggests that virus can survive on surfaces like glass, plastic, metals etc for may be up to 9days and in fecal material for may be upto weeks of which studies are still going on for confirmation.

It has spread to infect more than 63,00,000 person worldwide within a very short span of just 5months since its outbreak. Time and again most of the types of Coronavirus have proven themselves to have potential to create global pandemic claiming many lives within no time. Looking at the scale of pandemic and potential of 2019nCoV virus to spread very fast and claim lacs of lives in no time has spread panic and concern throughout the world as fast increase in cases of COVID-19 has overwhelmed the healthcare system even of the best country of the world with doctors finding them helpless against the disease and its scale and so almost all the major countries of the world have implimented partial or complete lockdown and social distancing norms to contain and slow down the spread of virus.

  • Keep distance from infected person, at least 6 feet of distance is recomended
  • Wear masks in public places
  • Avoid traveling to area affected with 2019-nCoV epidemic
  • Quatrantine patients traveling from COVID-19 epidemic regions.
  • Avoid contact with person known to have came in contact with any person infected with 2019-nCoV or travel history from affected area.
  • Report any case of cough, cold, fever or symptoms of flu to health authorities found in all the regions where cases of SARS-CoV-2 also called 2019-nCoV is prevailing.
  • Person staying in affected regions should stay within their home and avoid any public places as much as possible.
  • While moving out in affected region, wear removable and easily washable overcoats, wear disposable gloves, protective eye wears.
  • Touching with bare hands to public handle, buttons, walls curtains and other objects in public places in affected region should be avoided.
  • When in public place, try to prefer option with open air and lesser crowd then in enclosed public premises.
  • Dont use public transport unless its unavoidable.
  • Stay away from sewage channels and fecal material.
  • Prefer food prepared at home that too fully cooked and avoid uncooked raw food.
  • Avoid gathering and meeting people during times of epidemic.
  • Avoid hand shakes and close proximity with other people during epidemic.
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle and nutrition, food rich in Zinc, Iron and Vitamin C is recomended
  • Keep all rooms highly ventilated.
  • Sanitize your hands frequently almost every 1-2hours, wash hands at least for 20seconds at a time.
  • People with long hairs should keep hair in such a way that it doesn’t come in contact with potentially infected objects in public places e.g. handle on seat back on buses and trains.
  • Eat nutritious food, daily yoga and exercise sufficient exposure to sunlight, timely meal sleep and exercise helps boost health and immunity to prevent and fight the disease.

When and how to use mask correctly is explained and demonstrated in the video below by WHO

When To Use Mask Explained in Video released By World Health Organisation
When and How to use mask and precautions while using mask explained in detail with procedure of wearing and removing mask by WHO.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE ARSENICUM ALBUM 30 PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AGAINST CORONAVIRUS DURING COVID -19 PANDEMIC

Expert committee of MINISTRY OF AYUSH, GOVT OF INDIA has identified Arsenicum Album 30 as Genus Epidemicus for immunity enhancement during COVID-19 pandemic and has recomended issuing public notice regarding the same. It has also recomended registered homeopathic practioners of India to suggest identified COVID-19 Genus Epidemicus Arsenicum Album 30 to people as immunity enhancement during the COVID 19 pandemic.

As per Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India Circular:-

Central Council for research in Homeopathy and Ministry of Ayush on its 64th Scientific Advisory Board meeting date 28th January 2020, recomended that Arsenicum Album 30 could be taken as prophylactic medicine against coronavirus infection in following prescribed dose

  • One Dose of Arsenicum Album 30 on Empty Stomach For 3 Consecutive Days
  • The Dose Should Be Repeated After One Month Following The Same Schedule.

Other Precautions that needs to be followed during homeopathic medication

  • Do not eat or drink anything at least for 1 hour after taking medicine. Plain water or milk at room temperature could be consumed during this one hour if required.
  • Brush Teeth at least one hour before or after taking this doses i.e one hour interval prior and after the dose.
  • Avoid Uncooked Onion, Uncooked Garlic and Coffee atleast for 5 days when you start medicines.

Govt. Of India, Ministry of AYUSH suggests Homeopathy for prevention and treatment of 2019novel coronavirus Covid-19. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1600895

Ministry of AYUSH, Government of INDIA advisory for prevention of Coronavirus 2019nCoV section picture
Govt of India, Ministry of AYUSH coronavirus homeopathic preventive medicine advisory section picture

Homeopathic Medicines Indicated For COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus Infection

As per my view other than basic symptomatic supportive treatment and available regular conventional allopathic treatment, homeopathic medicines can be used in conjunction, as per indication under guidance and observation of both qualified homeopathic physician and allopathic physician.

Few of the Homeopathic medicines that can be useful in treatment of COVID-19 that is SARS-CoV-2 infection also called 2019 novel coronavirus infection are listed below.

ACONITUM NAPELLUS

Initial stage of fever or first day of symptoms in patients much fear and anxiety. Also this medicine can be used for patients having psychological problems of fear fright and anxiety due to COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown psychological effects.

BELLADONNA

This remedy may prove useful for heaviness of head, fever and bodyaches in COVID-19

ARSENICUM ALBUM

This is wonderful drug used since ages to treat respiratory complaints be it asthma, allergic rhinitis, viral respiratory infections or bacterial respiratory infections. Arsenic is consumed by mountaineers since ages which helps them to survive in higher altitudes in low oxygen environment it shall work well in any stage of Covid 19 infection. Itcan also be brought into service in patirnt with breathlessness and respiratory distress. Arsenicum Album acts not only on respiratory sphere but also gastrointestinal sphere which should cover the sptom of diarrhoea that many Covid-19 patients present along with respiratory and general symptoms. It should work well in Covid 19 patients with weakness where the patient is mentally restless but physically too weak to move.

USE OF ARSENICUM ALBUM AS HOMEOPATHIC GENUS EPIDEMICUS TO ENHANCE IMMUNITY AGAINST CORONA VIRUS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ARSENICUM ALBUM 30 is being identified as Genus Epidemicus and is suggested by Ministry of Ayush, Government of India under consultation of Central Council For Research in Homeopathy that it could be taken as prophylactic against Coronavirus infection one dose every morning on empty stomach for three consecutive days and same protocol should be repeated after a month of the epidemic still prevails in the region.

ARNICA MONTANA

Cytokine-Storm is associated with increased capalilary permeability and disemminated intravascular coagulation due to overproduction of early-proinflamatory cytokines causing imbalance in procoagulant-anticoagulant balance causing microcoagualations in complicated cases of COVID19.

Arnica Montana is commonly used medicine in homeopathy to dissolve internal clots by stimulating body’s natural pathways to dissolve clots and in inverse concentration un-homeopathically it is also used to form clots stop to stop bleeding. So Arnica Montana has both the type of effects procoagulant and anticoagulant depending on what concentartion and repetition its uses. So with correct homeopathically succussed dilution and correct posology it may prove useful in such acute life threatening situation condition of sudden cytokine storm which causes dissemminated intravascular coagulations with damaged leaky hyperpermeable capillaries .

BRYONIA ALBA

This medicine works well in cases who are living in region where days are hot and nights are cold. dry coughing, shortness of breath, fever, body aches, muscle aches are some of the symptoms covered by bryonia in COVID-19 patients. Master Hahnemann recommends bryonia alba in epidemics during summer season affecting respiratory system.

CAMPHORA

Camphora made from camphor can be used in terminally ill COVID-19 patient with gross signs of circulatory insufficiency, cyanosis, hypoxia and this should be the first medicine brought in immediately administered in cases of sudden collapse. Typically it has to be used in higher potency as recomended by some homeopaths.

AGARICUS MUSCARIUS

Agaricus muscarius typically used in homeopathy for frosbite and cyanosis of extrimities can prove beneficial in terminally ill COVID-19 patients with signs of cyanosis and bluish discolouration of extremities like finger and toes this homeopathic medicine should be called in for service.

CRATEGUS OXYACANTHA

crategus oxyacantha may prove of great service in COVID-19 patients having cardiac complaints and high lipid profile having circulatory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulations crategus should be thought of is complimentary and supportive medicine.

ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO

Aspidosperma Quebracho successfully used in homeopthic mother tincture form since ages for treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma and cardiac asthma may prove useful in COVID-19 patients those who have reduced oxygen saturation arising out of pulmonary congestion, increased nitrogenous waste in blood which are usually excreted by kidney, pulmonary thrombus. It may help by stimulating respiratory centers and clearing temporary obstructions in lungs thus improving oxygen saturation of blood.

ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM

Antimonium Tartaricum shall prove useful for COVID-19 patients living in region with high humidity near sea-shores works wonders in relieving rattling cough with thick mucous especially in aged.

KALIUM BICHROMICUM

Kalium Bichromicum is very commonly used medicine in homeopathy which is helpful in getting rid of thick stringy ropy mucous it may prove of great service in COVID-19 cases with accumulation of thick mucous difficult to bring up.

JUSTICIA ASHATODA

Justicia Adhatoda also known as Vasaka in indian medicine and iss used in Ayurveda since ages. It is a great expectorant if used in lower potency preferably in homeopathic mother tincture form.

THALASEMIA

Thalasemia is a genetic disorder where in mutation or deletion in any genes responsible to produce globin chain of haemoglobin results in abnormal haemoglobin production.

Normal adult has Haemoglobin A (HbA). HbA is a hetrotetramer of two α globin chains and two β globin chains. In normal humans there are total 4 genes (2pairs) for production of αglobin chain and 2 genes(1 pair) for production of β globin chain. When there is defect in genes producing α globin or β globin chains of heamoglobin it results into thalasemia.

TYPES

  • Alpha Thalasemia – Abnormal or dhieficient α globin chain production
  • Beta Thalasemia – Abnormal or deficient β globin chain production.
  • Delta Thalasemia – Abnormal or defective delta chain production.
  • Thalasemia in combimation with other haemoglobinopathies like – Haemoglobin S , Haemoglobin E, Haemoglobin C, Haemoglobin D.

Of the above all types the most common types alpha and beta are discussed below.

ALPHA THALASEMIA

Alpha Thalasemia has defective α globulin chain production. Genes responsible to produce α globin chain are situated on chromosome 16. HBA1 and HBA2 genes are responsible for production of α globin chain. Both the genes are acquired from both the parents so total two HBA1 and two HBA2 genes. So, there are two genes acquired from each parent making total 4 genes or two pairs(αα/αα) responsible to produce α globin chain.

Depending upon number of gene deleted the condition is classified into 4 categories

  • α Thalasemia Silent (1 gene deletion)
  • α Thalasemia Trait (2 gene deletion)
  • HbH disease (3 gene deletion)
  • Hb Bart Syndrome (all 4 gene deletion)

Alpha Thalasemia Silent

Any one gene deletion (-α/αα), one of the two allele not received from one parent. Usually there are no sign of anaemia as the remaining three genes produce sufficient alpha globin chains. Althought they dont show symptoms they are the silent carrier and if married to person with one or more α globin making gene deletion then some of their offsprings will have symptoms, probability and severity of the disease in the offsprings will depend on number of gene deletion in the partner.

Alpha Thalasemia Trait

Any two gene deletion, it can be of two genotypes as descussed below, this type shows mild anaemia symptoms.

  1. Two gene deletion – homologous; one of the two allele not received from each parent(-α/-α).
  2. Two gene deletion- heterologous; both the alleles not received from one parent (–/αα).

HbH Disease

Three gene deletion (–/-α) No copy of gene received from one parent and only one of the two copy received from another parent. These causes very low α chain production resulting into excess proportion of β chains causing formation of unstable haemoglobin tetramer made up of 4 β globin chains, instead of two α and two β. This type of haemoglobin with all 4 globin chain of β globin is called HbH which is very unstable. These individuals shows moderate to severe anaemia and other thalasemia related symptoms.

Hb Bart Syndrome

All four gene deletion (–/– )No copy of α chain producing gene received from either of the parent. It is a fatal condition where in there are no α chains produced and results into severe fetal condition called hydrops fetalis. Death ensues soon after birth.

BETA THALASEMIA

Beta thalasemia has defective β globin chain production. For production of β globin chain there is only one gene acquired from each parent makin it total one pair(β/β) i.e total 2 genes responsible to produce β globin chain. Gene Responsible for production of β globin chain is called HBB and is located on chromosome 11.

Beta Thalasemia Minor

  1. (b/β) One gene received from a parent is altered and the one from other parent is normal.
  2. (-/β) No gene received from a parent and the gene received from another parent is normal.

Beta Thalasemia Intermedia

  1. (b/-) One copy of gene received from a parent altered and one from another parent is absent.
  2. (b/b) Genes received from both the parent are altered.

Beta Thalasemia Major

  • (-/-) No genes producing β globin chain received from either parent.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms and its severity depends upon the above mentioned severity of genotype the individual has few complaints which patient with this disease condition show are mentioned below.

  • Anaemia
  • Iron Overload
  • Bone deformities
  • Enlarged spleen
  • General growth is slow
  • Ferquent Infections
  • Cardiac complaints

DIAGNOSIS

  • Complete blood count
  • Hb Electrophoresis
  • DNA analysis.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT AND INDICATED HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR THALASEMIA

  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • Abrotanum
  • Natrum Muriaticum
  • Phosphorus
  • Calcarea Phosphorica
  • Calcarea Carbonica
  • Calcarea flourica
  • Ruta Graveolens

LYMPHOMA

LYMPHOMA – Malignant neoplasm of lymphoid tissue is called Lymphoma.

They are type of blood cancers where in there is abmormal cell-proliferation of Lymphoid Tissue.

Lymphomas and Leukemias both fall under a broader category “Malignant Neoplasms of Lymphoid and Heamatopoetic Tissue” or cancer of Lymphocytes”. Wherein unlike Leukemias, the term Lymphomas is precisely restricted only to the Tumours of Lymphoid tissue.

Types of Lymphoma

  • Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Immunoproliferative diseases

RISK FACTORS

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

  • Hereditary
  • Epstein Barr Virus Infection

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

  1. Autoimmune Conditions
  2. HIV infection/AIDS
  3. Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Infection
  4. Immunosupressive Medication
  5. Exposure to certain Pesticides
  6. Tobacco Smoking

SIGN’s AND SYMPTOM’s

  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Pel-Ebstein Fever – Intermittent Fever of around 38C lasting for 1-2weeks and relapsing again after days to weeks
  • Weight loss of more than 10% within 6 months.
  • Profuse perspiration especially at night.
  • Anorexia – loss of appetite
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • General Pruritus
  • Dyspnoea on slightest exertion

Ann Arbor Staging System

Principle Stages

  • StageI – Single Lymphnode and surrounding area involved
  • StageII – Two areas involved a lymph node and another area and both are on the same side of daiphram either above or below
  • StageIII – Affected areas on both the sides of daiphram with one organ or region near lymphnode or spleen
  • StageIV – Diffused and disseminated with more than one Extra-Lymphatic organ involved incliding Liver, Bone Marrow, nodular involvement of Lungs.

Modifiers

  • A or B – type symptom – When patient has following three constitutional symptoms then patient is categorised into B-type symptoms 1) Pel-Ebstein Fever. 2) Weight loss and 3)Night Sweats. When there are no above mentioned combination of B-type constitutional symptoms present then patient is categorised into A type.
  • S ” – Disease with Slpeen involvement is denoted with S modifier.
  • ” E” – When disease involves extranodal region that is region surrounding the lymphnodes it is denoted with E modifier.
  • “X” – X is denominated when the largest bulky deposit region is more than 10cm or if more 35% area of chest is occupied by mediastenum on X-Ray.

Nature of Stage

  • Clinical Staging “C.S.” – C.S. Mentioned when staging is done based on clinical examination and test.
  • Pathological Staging “P.S.” – When Staging is done based on pathological findings through invasive techniques like surgical excision etc its Mentioned as P.S.

DIAGNOSIS

Biopsy of Lymph node to confirm Lymphoma.

Further to classify Lymphoma:

  • Immunophenotyping
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescence in-situ Hybridisation.

CT scan and PET scans helps us evaluate extent of spread of the condition and its staging.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR HODGKIN’s LYMPHOMA and NON- HODGKIN’s LYMPHOMA

  • BARYTA CARBONICA
  • CALCAREA CARBONICA
  • CINCHONNA OFFICINALIS
  • CALCAREA FLOURICA
  • CONIUM MACULATUM
  • PHYTOLACCA
  • BARYTA MURIATICUM
  • TUBERCULINUM
  • CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA
  • CALCAREA CARBONICA

LEUKEMIA

Abnormal proliferation of blood cells due to defective medullary heamatopoetic stem cells is called leukemia.

In Layman terms, defective bone-marrow causes uncontrolled multiplication and abnormal growth of cells that are components of blood causing blood cancer.

TYPES AND CLASSIFICATION

Based on speed of progression and maturity level of most cells, most of the Leukemia can be categorised into

  • Acute – Fast progressing, takes weeks to few months, most of the cells are blast cells (immature cells), requires immediate treatment, commonly seen in children.
  • Chronic – Relatively slow progressing, takes months to years, has relatively mature cells, patient usually under observation before commencing any aggressive treatment, Common in elderly people.

There are some leukemias which do not follow fixed pattern, even the presentation of symptom may vary in different individual, also there are cases where in they change the classical course and speed of progression.

Based on types of cells involved, most of the Leukemia can be categorised into

  • Lymphoid (Lymphocytic) – Precursors of Lymphocytes are involved. It is further classified as per which lymphocytes are involved wether B-cells or T-cells.
  • Myeloid(Non-Lymphocytic) – Precursors of RBC, Non-Lymphocyte WBC and Platelets are involved.

A Lymphoid or Myeloid leukemia can Either Acute or Chronic as described below

  1. Acute – Lymphoblastic(ALL)
  2. Chronic – Lymphocytic (CLL)
  3. Acute – Myeloid (AML)
  4. Chronic – Myeloid (CML)

ACUTE

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) –

When there are multiple mutations in the locus that controls cell proliferation, cell maturation and cell death of precursor cells of Lymphocytes, called Lymphoblast, then this results in ALL. ALL can be of T cell type or B cell type.

Genes associated with ALL –

  • KMT2A – Infant ALL – onset before 10yr of age
  • ARID5B
  • CKDN2A
  • CKDN2B
  • TP53
  • GATA3
  • PIP4K2A
  • IKZF1
  • CEBPE
  • PAX5 – Inherant Autosomal Dominant
  • ETV6 – Inherant Autosomal Dominant

Certain syndromes that increases risk of ALL

  • Down’s Syndrome
  • Bloom Syndrome
  • Fanconi Anaemia
  • X-Linked agamaglobulinaemia
  • Neurofibromatosis Type 1
  • Li-Fraumani Syndrome
  • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Heamoglobinuria
  • Severa Combined Immunodeficiency
  • Costmann Syndrome
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia
  • Schwachmann Daimond Syndrome

SUBTYPES OF ALL

  • Precursor B-cell ALL
  • Precursor T-cell ALL
  • Mature B-cell ALL (also called Burkitts Leukemia due to its similarity with Burkitts Lymphoma)
  • Acute Biphenotypic Leukemia.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

It is an Acute Non-Lymphocytic type of malignanacy that involves myeloblast cells(precursor of monocytes and granulocytes).

In AML, there are mutations in genes responsible for maturation and differentiation of the myeloblast cell, so the cell freezes in undifferentiated and immature state. When this type of mutations are combined with mutations in genes controlling proliferation in same cell, it results in clonning of immature undifferentiated cells resulting in AML.

Genes associated with AML

Subtypes of AML

Subtypes of AML are classified based on staging of maturation i.e. at which stage the msturation of the cell is arrested and how is the general behaviour of cells and which genes are involved.

  • Undifferentiated Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia
  • Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Minimal Maturation
  • Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Maturation
  • Acute Pro-Myelocytic Leukemia (APL)
  • Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia
  • Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia with Eosinophilia
  • Acute Monocytic Leukemia
  • Acute Erythroid Leukemia
  • Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia

Adult T-Cell Leukemia

Blast Crisis of CML

CHRONIC

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

  • B-cell Pro-Lymphocytic Leukemia(B-PLL)
  • T-Cell Pro-Lymphocytic Leukemia(T-PLL), T-PLL doesnt completely fit into this category.

Hairy-Cell Leukemia(HCL)

Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia(LGLL)

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

  • Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia
  • Juvenile CML
  • Chronic Neutrophillic Leukemia
  • Chronic Myelo-Monocytic Leukemia(CMML)
  • Atypical CML (aCML)

Chronic Eosinophillic Leukemia

Few other types, preleukemias and syndromes that cannot be classified in above category

  • Clonal Eosinophilia
  • Other Myelodysplastic Syndromes
  • Other Myeloproliferative Syndromes

CAUSES

Leukemia is caused due to mutations in genes that are associated with proliferation, differentiation, growth, maturation and cell death of blood cells. With different types of mutations responsible for different types of leukemia.

These genetic mutations can be inherited or acquired due to multiple reasons of which few known risk factors are

  • Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g. benzene, petrochemicals, hair-dyes, agent orange herbicide, certain insecticides)
  • Radiation – ionising radiations and doubtedly non-ionising radiations too.
  • Smoking and tobacco use.
  • Prior alkylating chemotherapy for some other form of malignancy.
  • Viruses – Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus – 1 HTLV-1 is associated with Adult T-cell Leukemia and Hepatitis C is associated with CLL
  • Diseases and Syndromes – Down’s Syndrome, Kline Felter syndrome, Fanconi Anaemi, Ataxia-Telangiectasia or Louis-Bar Syndrome, Myelodysplastic syndrom, Myeloproliferation syndrome.

Few of these factor are seen responsible for specific type of cancer (eg HTLV1 causes Adult T-cell Leukemia, Tobacco and Down’s Syndrome increases risk of AML).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may vary in different types of leukemia, different individuals and different stages of disease.

  • Tired feeling
  • Paleness due to anaemia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache, lethargy, stiffness of neck
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Tendency to catch infection too frequently
  • Fever usually due to secondary infections
  • Painful long bones
  • (Heamorrhagic diathesis) easily bleeds and frequent ecchymosis and petechiae (bruises).
  • Painless lymphomegaly (Enlarged lymphnodes)
  • Hepatospleenomegaly – can easily palpate liver and spleen due to its increased size.
  • Fibrosis of bone marrow
  • Chloroma or Leukemia Cutis or myeloid sarcoma or granular sarcoma or extramedullary myeloid tumour
  • Swollen painfull and bleeding gums
  • Sweet’s Syndrome
  • Pitting Oedema
  • Enlarged Testis
  • Mediastinal mass
  • Cranial nerve Paralysis if CNS is involved
  • Increased blood cell count , WBC or RBC or Platelets, depending on type with most if the cells immature and lacking differentiation.

DIAGNOSIS

  • Complete Blood Count
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy
  • Lymph Node Biopsy

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT WITH INDICATED HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES

  • Arsenicum Album
  • Phosphorus
  • Hekla lava
  • Lachesis
  • Benzinum
  • Carica Papaya
  • Cinchonna Officinalis
  • X-ray
  • Thuja Occidentalis
  • Syphillinum
  • Baryta Carbonica
  • Calcarea Phosphorica
  • Ruta Graveolens
  • Calcarea Fluorica
  • Calcarea Carbonica
  • Symphytum Officinalis
  • Hyocyamus Niger
  • Medhorrhinum

UNDER CONSTRUCTION