Ayurvedic Management of ITP in Children
Abstract
ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) is a medical condition related to blood, it is an autoimmune condition that occurs when our own body attacks the platelets and destroys them. It is the commonest type of thrombocytopenia that occurs amongst the growing children. In India each year ITP affects around 30,000 children under the age of 16 years and globally around 200,000 people at any given time suffer from this condition. If left untreated this condition can pose serious complications such as bleeding in the lungs, brain or vital organs with increase in mortality rates in older patients.
Introduction
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, that is below 150,000 per microliter of blood. Platelets are one of the components of blood that are responsible for blood clotting, it helps stop bleeding when injured. This condition is classified under autoimmune diseases as the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the platelets and tries to destroy them in the spleen and other parts of the body. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and about 1/3rd of it is stored in the spleen for use in emergencies. In ITP due to unknown reasons either the production of platelets is minimised or there is constant destruction due to autoimmune condition. This condition generally presents itself with signs and symptoms of purpura, easy bruising, bleeding from nose and gums. While it can occur in all ages it is growingly becoming frequent in children. In this article we will try to understand this condition, its causes, signs and symptoms, how to diagnose the condition and what are the treatment options available with special knowledge about how to manage the condition using Ayurvedic principles and herbs.
Understanding ITP
ITP, expanded as Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura also known as Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is an autoimmune disease in which our own immune system attacks the platelets and tries to destroy them. Platelets also called as thrombocytes are small disc shaped fragments in our blood that help in blood clotting and wound healing whenever we are injured. They are formed in bone marrow and circulate in blood throughout the body. Our spleen plays a crucial role in regulating plates and acts as a storage box for platelets. About 1/3rd of the body’s platelets are stored in the spleen and are released when the body needs it during injury or blood loss to form a clot. The normal count of platelets in a healthy individual ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. This normal count drops down below 1,50,000 in children suffering from ITP putting them at risk of excessive bleeding without clotting.
This condition can occur as acute onset as in viral infections such as dengue and chicken pox. This occurs mainly in children between the age of 2 to 6 years. And it usually recovers quickly as the viral infection comes down. The chronic onset on the other hand can occur at any age and the patient suffers lower platelet counts for months and has the period of recovery and relapse and the patient might need an ongoing treatment for a certain period of time.
What causes ITP in children
We don’t often always know what causes ITP in children but here are few factors that contribute in causing this condition
- Viral Infections : the viral diseases such as Dengue, chickenpox, rubella or even some of the viral respiratory illnesses can drop the platelet counts in children when affected.
- Autoimmune Disorder : sometimes our body identifies platelets as a foreign body and tries to attack and destroy them.
- Hereditary Factors : occasionally a family history is seen to be present but it is not always a genetically inherited condition.
- According to Ayurveda a deranged Pitta is the cause for ITP to occur. This condition can be considered as RaktaPitta from the Ayurvedic point of view where the increased Pitta settles in the blood causing bleeding disorders. Generally, if a pitta constitutional person indulges in foods that are heating, spicy, too much oily, too much sour and salty foods, indulges in activities that includes prolonged exposure to heat and sun, intense physical workouts etc. experiences anger issues, the pitta in his body is likely to increase and flows through the blood disturbing the components of blood leading to conditions such as ITP.
Clinical presentation of ITP in children
In many cases children with ITP go unnoticed as they don’t pose any signs and symptoms and they are diagnosed only during regular blood work incidentally. However, in others the clinical presentations may vary from mild to severe depending on the platelet count. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms that generally appear amongst children.
- Purpura : Reddish to purple spots on the skin caused due to bleeding underneath the skin or mucous membrane
- Petechiae : small or tiny red or purple dots on the skin caused due to minor bleeding from the small blood vessels.
- Bruising : The skin of a person suffering from ITP bruises easily even with a slightest injury or hurt.
- Bleeding Through Nose : prolonged bleeding from nose occurs often is the sign of ITP.
- Gum Bleeding : Bleeding from gums especially after brushing the teeth may also be a typical sign in children with ITP.
- Menorrhagia : Heavy menstrual bleeding can be one of the symptoms of an adolescent girl suffering from ITP.
- Blood In Urine Or Stools : In severe cases internal bleeding can lead to blood to be seen in urine and stools.
Consistent formation of purpura and petechiae in children especially in upper or lower extremities. If the platelet counts fall below 20,000 microliter, bleeding from the nose or gums may occur with excessive menstrual flow in early teens. We can also observe spontaneous formation of blood masses in the mouth if the platelets drop down below 10,000 microliters. Serious complications may occur with fatality if the count goes below 3000 microliters. Hence, a child with ITP must have regular blood work for platelet counts and needs to be taken care of early on.
How to confirm the diagnosis of ITP in children
Generally, the clinical presentation of above symptoms suggests ITP. However, to understand the severity of ITP, a complete blood count becomes critical. CBC shows low platelet count generally less than 100,000 microliters of blood with no changes in WBC or RBC counts. It is important to take a peripheral blood smear to rule out blood disorders such as leukaemia in which the platelets are constantly destroyed due to blood cancer. It is also recommended to take bone marrow aspiration to rule out any abnormalities in the bone marrow as it is the place where the platelets are formed.
Ayurvedic view of ITP in children
The present day Ayurvedic scholars correlate ITP to an Ayurvedic condition called Rakta Pitta. Rakta means blood and Pitta is one of the 3 bio energies responsible for transformation in the body. so, the compound word Rakthpitta is a bleeding disorder caused by the aggravated Pitta residing in the blood. The signs and symptoms of Raktha pitta are characterised by bleeding. This condition is classified into three types as
- Urdhwagata Raktapitta : This includes bleeding from the upper part of the body such as bleeding gums, blood vomiting, nasal bleeding, bleeding from ears etc.
- Adhogata Raktapitta : This includes bleeding from lower part of the body such as anal bleeding, rectal bleeding, blood in urine, and menorrhagia
- Tiryak Gata Raktapitta : this includes bleeding under the skin that is petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis which is more correlated to ITP condition explained in modern medicine.
In rakta pitta both rakta and pitta are deranged leading to the appearance of various signs and symptoms related to bleeding. Ayurveda says if a person indulges in food and lifestyle that can increase Pitta such as eating more of pungent, sour and salty tasting foods which includes eating spicy, hot, oily and deep fried food, pickles, mustard, sesame seeds, chillies, horse gram, excessively fermented foods etc. consumes excess alcohol and caffeine, red meat. Excessive physical activity such as running a marathon, constant exposure to sun and heat, staying up all night, irregular eating habits, stress and anger issues. The Pitta in the body increases and gets aggravated and settles down in blood (Rakta) disturbing the components of blood leading to the condition called Raktha pitta. RaktaPitta is characterized by the signs and symptoms of bleeding from various parts of the body.
Management of ITP in children
- Observation : In children, when viral Infection is the cause for low platelet counts and if the count is above 50,000 microliters, then we can safely wait and watch with regular CBC tests, as the viral infection reduces, the platelets generally improve in weeks. However, encouraging the patient to take herbs and supplements that can improve platelets is recommended.
- Medication : In the modern system of medicine corticosteroids are the drug of choice when the platelets drop down severely to below 20,000 microliters. Apart from this in more severe lower counts (IVIG) intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is given for faster recovery.
Herbal remedies for ITP in children by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is an established Ayurvedic company that manufactures and distributes Ayurvedic products and supplements since 1990. This company was founded by Dr. Vikram Chauhan, a renowned Ayurveda practitioner and herbalist. He is the CEO of Planet Ayurveda and has over 30 years of practice in the field of Ayurveda. Planet Ayurveda aims to reach out to the entire planet by spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda and helping patients with their authentic and all natural Ayurvedic herbs and products. Based in Chandigarh, India, the products are shipped and are available worldwide with its branches spread across India. Planet Ayurveda focuses on providing authentic and natural Ayurvedic solutions for various health conditions through traditional Ayurvedic approach.
Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of products including single herb and formulations for various disease conditions, prevention of the diseases, and rejuvenation. The products include tablets, capsules, syrups, powders, herbal juice extracts, oils, herbal teas, ointments. This company adheres to holistic healing providing the best quality products for safety and efficacy of healing. The management of ITP in children with Planet Ayurveda.
- Plato Plan Syrup
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Punarnava Mandur
- Hemo Plan Syrup
- Suvarna Basant Malti Ras
Products Description
1. Plato Plan Syrup
Plato plan syrup is prepared using Eranda Karkati (Carica papaya), Guduchi/ Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Draksha / Vitis vinifera and many more. The herbal combination in Plato plan syrup is planned in such a way that it helps in overall improvement of a patient suffering from ITP. The combination of these ingredients is packed with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, immunomodulators, nourishing and rejuvenating herbs which are essential to improve the vitality in a child suffering from ITP. It has potent herbs such as papaya, ashwagandha, Giloya and wheatgrass that have the ability to increase the platelet counts in the blood. This syrup helps regenerate new cells in the blood, reduce inflammation, boosts the immunity, increases the vitality, and protects the platelets from further damage. These herbs balance the functioning of Pitta Dosha in the blood and improves kapha (nutrition) and quality of Rakta Dhatu. They have Rasayana(rejuvenating ) and balya (strengthening) qualities which are beneficial in children suffering from ITP.
Dosage : 2 teaspoonful twice daily after food.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha capsules contain pure extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It forms one of the powerful and potent herbs in managing ITP in children because of the qualities it possesses. It is a well known adaptogen, antioxidant, a rejuvenator, immunomodulator, vitalizer, possesses anti-inflammatory effect and studies suggest that it has the ability to promote haematopoiesis (formation of new blood cells) and enhance platelet counts in the blood. Its Rasayana (Rejuvenating) property helps regenerate new cells and its Balya ( strengthen) property helps to strengthen the blood cell preventing them from getting destroyed. Its Rakta prasadana ( blood purifying and nourishing) property helps clear the blood from toxins and nourishes the cells. It mainly pacifies Pitta Dosha which is an imbalance in the case of ITP.
Dosage : 1 cap twice daily after meals with Plain water.
3. Punarnava Mandur
This is a classical ayurvedic preparation prepared using Punarnava (boerhaavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum) and various others. Punarnava mandur is a classical formulation in the form of tablets. This is a herbo-minieral formulation containing both potent herbs as well as mineral as ferric oxide calz. This formulation has been used since ancient times for improving blood count. The presence of ferric oxide and herbs rich in iron helps boost the haemoglobin levels and stimulate the production of blood cells including platelets. It is specially used where the children have had blood loss due to bleeding or excess menstrual flow. The herb Punarnava as the name indicates helps regenerate new cells, reduces the swollen spleen, and stimulates the liver to detoxify the blood and improve the blood production. This combined herbo mineral formulation helps relieve the fatigue and weakness that is caused due to low platelet counts and fixes anaemia in children suffering from ITP.
Dosage : 1 tablet twice daily best taken with buttermilk after food.
4. Hemo Plan Syrup
This is a Patent syrup preparation prepared using Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. Hemoplan syrup has a unique combination for herbs that naturally boosts the red blood cells. The herbs in this formulation is a natural source of Iron that is easily digestible and assimilated in the body. Hemoplan syrup is known to boost immunity which is needed in autoimmune conditions. The herbs Mnajista, shatavari and ashwagandha have the power to regenerate new blood cells hence making it beneficial in treating ITP.
Dosage : 2 teaspoons twice daily after food.
5. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras
Thi classical ayurvedic preparation is prepared using Swarna basma (ashes of gold), Mukta basma (Ashes of pearl), Purified cinnabar (an ore of mercury and sulphur), Parada (Purified and processed form of mercury) etc. Swarna vasant malini Ras is a herbo- mineral formulation which has been in use since ancient times. It is a classical formulation in the form of tablets or pills containing Swarna, the purified and processed form of gold ashes along with other potent herbs and minerals that help in increasing the immunity in patients. The immunomodulatory effect of this combination helps fight any autoimmune diseases including ITP, and prevents destruction of platelets. The haemostatic action (Rakta stambhak) helps stop bleeding that occurs in children suffering from ITP.
Dosage : 1 tablet taken every daily morning after breakfast with plain water.
Overall the combined effect of all these formulations helps pacify Pitta Dosha in the blood, improves Rakta Dhatu/ blood by regenerating components of blood, enhancing the immune system to fight against the autoimmune ITP and restoring the general health of the child. As early years are part of physical growth of the child, inclusion of proper nutrition plays a major role in not just accelerating the growth of the child but also ensures building resistance to illness. Apart from using above protocols, consuming healthy and cooling foods such as tender coconut water, ash gourd juices, lots of fresh fruits juices and green vegetable juices helps in boosting the platelets and immunity.
Conclusion
Management and treating ITP in children needs a personalised approach based on their signs and symptoms and the platelet counts. ITP in children is generally self-limiting but needs a critical observation and efforts to improve the platelets and maintain the normal levels consistently. Specially in children a careful observation should be made to prevent any occurrence of internal bleeding and infections. There are plenty of Ayurvedic herbs that have shown to improve platelet counts naturally in the body and it forms one of the safest ways to manage ITP in children without any side effects.
