|
 
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| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 2015 | Volume
: 9
| Issue : 2 | Page : 114-122 |
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Gangrene: Five case studies of gangrene, preventing amputation through Homoeopathic therapy
Seema Mahesh1, Mahesh Mallappa1, George Vithoulkas2
1 Homoeopathic Physician, Centre for Classical Homoeopathy, Vijaynagar, Bangalore, India
2 Department of Surgery, International Academy of Classical Homoeopathy, Greece
| Date of Submission | 09-Feb-2015 |
| Date of Acceptance | 26-May-2015 |
| Date of Web Publication | 30-Jun-2015 |
Correspondence Address:
Prof. George Vithoulkas
International Academy of Classical Homoeopathy
Greece
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-7168.159544
Gangrene and its associated amputations are clinically challenging, but Homoeopathy offers therapy options. In this case series, 5 cases are presented, in which the homoeopathic treatment prevented amputation of a body part. Homoeopathy stimulates the body's ability to heal through its immune mechanisms; consequently, it achieves wound healing and establishes circulation to the gangrenous part. Instead of focusing on the local phenomena of gangrene pathology, treatment focuses on the general indications of the immune system, stressing the important role of the immune system as a whole. The aim was to show, through case reports, that homoeopathic therapy can treat gangrene without amputing the gangrenous part, and hence has a strong substitution for consideration in treating gangrene. Keywords: Amputation, Gangrene, Homoeopathy, Immune system
How to cite this article:
Mahesh S, Mallappa M, Vithoulkas G. Gangrene: Five case studies of gangrene, preventing amputation through Homoeopathic therapy. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2015;9:114-22 |
How to cite this URL:
Mahesh S, Mallappa M, Vithoulkas G. Gangrene: Five case studies of gangrene, preventing amputation through Homoeopathic therapy. Indian J Res Homoeopathy [serial online] 2015 [cited 2023 Mar 22];9:114-22. Available from: https://www.ijrh.org/text.asp?2015/9/2/114/159544 |
| Background | |  |
Gangrene is a condition characterized by necrosis of a body part due to lack of circulation, injury, or infection. The tissue becomes depleted of oxygen and eventually dies. Many conditions may lead to gangrene; the most common are injury, peripheral vascular diseases (e.g., in chronic smoking and diabetes mellitus) and infections. It may also occur in certain blood disorders like polycythaemia.
Gangrene is categorized as dry, wet, or gas. In dry gangrene, there is a classic line of demarcation between the necrotic and normal tissues. When the cause of the gangrene is in the blood vessels (e.g., in peripheral vascular disease and polycythemia), there is a clearly defined dead area with little or no discharge or pus. Wet gangrene often occurs in cases of infection and injury; the necrotizing area may be unclean; there may be swelling, discharge, and sloughing off of the tissue. This sometimes occurs even over an area of dry gangrene if an infection gets superadded. Gas gangrene is the specific infection from Clostridium perfringens, which releases gas-producing toxins; this causes bubbling of the tissues. Wet and gas gangrene spread very quickly. Furthermore, due to the bacterial toxins that are released, the resulting sepsis can be fatal in a very short period. These cases usually require amputation of the body part. However, in cases where such drastic measures may not be warranted, treatment includes debridement and wound care, revascularization and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The burden of amputation (in general) is quite heavy. Globally, one million amputations occur every year; approximately one amputation every 30 seconds. It is estimated that the toll of amputees will reach 435 million by 2030; of these, over 54% will be affected only by peripheral vascular diseases, especially diabetes mellitus. [1] Moreover, the mortality among people who undergo amputation is very high, especially if they have vascular diseases. [2] Another burden caused by gangrene, is that, patients who undergo amputation are psychologically affected; the cycle of fear, depression, and panic is detrimental to their improvement. [3] Finally, amputation is usually performed in patients with compromised blood flow, which, therefore, reduces their chances of complete wound healing even after the surgery. [4]
Here, we present 5 cases, in which the homoeopathic treatment prevented amputation of a body part. These patients were treated at Centre for Classical Homoeopathy, Bangalore, India.
All the patients underwent regular dressing of the gangrene as a part of the treatment and no antiseptics, except Calendula officinalis mother tincture were used for the purpose of dressing.
The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee or institutional review board and the subjects gave informed consent to the work. It has been carried out in accordance with the code of ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki) for experiments involving humans.
| Case Reports | | |
Case 1
A 60-year-old woman with an ulcer on the right foot; [Figure 1] | Figure 1: Photographs of gangrene Case 1: (a), (b), (c) before treatment, (d) during treatment (e) and (f) after treatment
Click here to view |
- She was diabetic for 18 years; was on 30 units of Insulin per day
- The ulcer had progressively worsened over a month and was scheduled for amputation
- There was black, bloody, discharge from the ulcer. The bleeding was profuse, and the smell was intolerable
- There was some pain in the foot but no sense of touch. There was also numbness in both the legs
- Appetite was poor, and she was sleepless
- She complained of a chilly sensation in the body, and her extremities were cold to touch.
Here, there was a specific behavior on her part that drew the attention of the homoeopath. She was unduly rude to her husband while, with others, her behavior was polite. On inquiry, the husband confirmed that she was mostly rude toward her family.
Prescription and follow-up
The homoeopathic prescriptions for this case were Sepia, Silica and Sulphur in sequence over 3 months [Table 1] and [Figure 1]a-f. During this period, the wound steadily healed; after 3 months, she was walking without aid. She later continued treatment for her diabetes.
Discussion
This case was scheduled for knee level amputation. Hence, the healing of the gangrene and thereby preservation of the limb through homoeopathic therapy is remarkable. The circulatory stasis along with the indifference she showed toward husband indicated Sepia. [5] It may also be noted that Sepia is one of the main remedies for cold extremities and for ulcers of the foot. [6] The remedy was changed to Silicea on account of change in the nature of the discharge. Later, she started becoming thermally hot, and the blood sugar increased. She also exhibited ravenous hunger and hunger at 11 am. At this time, Sulphur was prescribed.
In classical Homoeopathy, one remedy is given at a time to the patient, and the rules also state that when a particular medicine stops acting (indicated by change of symptoms or worsening of the improved state through previous medication), it is time to reconsider and give the next indicated remedy. This shall complete the action that was initiated by the previous remedy. [7]
Case 2
A 45-year-old man with gangrene of the right little finger; [Figure 2](a-e). | Figure 2: :Photographs of gangrene Case 2: (a) and (b) before treatment, (c) during treatment, (d) and (e) after treatment
Click here to view |
- The swelling extended to the metacarpal joint
- There was severe burning in the palm
- The gangrenous part felt no pain
- The extremities trembled
- He had nausea at the thought and smell of food and was unable to eat
- He had dull vision for the past 8 years
- He was an alcoholic and smoker for the past 25 years
- His blood sugar level was normal
- He had increased thirst with a frequent need to drink even at night
- He was restless in bed.
- He desired lemons and salt
- He had frequent chills
- Arterial Doppler of his upper right limb showed no significant narrowing/stenosis in the studied arteries up to the wrist; distal small vessel disease/embolic disease could not be ruled out
- In this case, no other medication allopathic or others were employed except the ones mentioned here.
Prescription and follow-up
The homoeopathic remedy Arsenicum album 12C, 5 times a day for 1-month, was prescribed [Table 2]. The medication was not changed during the entire 1 month period after which the patient stopped treatment owing to complete healing of the gangrene.
Discussion
This case demonstrates the ease with which the gangrene heals in an uncomplicated case. Here, there was no diabetes mellitus, but there was a history of heavy smoking, which may have affected the distal vessels, leading to gangrene.
Arsenicum album is one of the remedies that has putrefaction as its hallmark and is used extensively in septic conditions. [8] The same remedy helped in this case too. The pathology and the symptomatology both were well covered by the remedy, hence the full and quick recovery.
Case 3
A 59-year-old male presented with relapsing diabetic gangrene; his right foot was gangrenous since 3 weeks. Two years prior, the same foot was gangrenous, and the second toe was amputated.
- The right foot was painful
- The gangrenous foot was swollen with an offensive discharge [Figure 3](a-e).
 | Figure 3: Photographs of gangrene Case 3: (a) and (b) before treatment, (c) during treatment (d) and (e) after treatment
Click here to view |
- He had weakness throughout the day
- He had occasional breathlessness
- He had dryness of mouth but no thirst
- His Insulin treatment for diabetes mellitus was 20-0-10 units. On occasions of severe asthma patient resorted to Corticosteroid inhalations. Otherwise, no other medicines were being taken during the course of treatment
- He had myocardial infarction 2 years priorly
- He had a family history of asthma (father)
- He had increased hunger at night and desired sweets and oranges
- He slept late and on the abdomen.
Prescription and follow-up
Medorrhinum helped this patient's wound to heal up, in 3 months [Table 3]. His blood sugar was brought under control as well with insulin reduced progressively and stopped.
After 3 months, he discontinued the treatment as he lived in a different city and was unable to continue.
Two years later, there was a relapse of gangrene in the same foot. Meanwhile, he had started taking insulin, which was keeping his blood sugar under check. At that time, the homoeopathic remedy Arsenicum album was prescribed [Table 3], and it healed in a month this time. Thus, he was treated successfully for gangrene twice.
Discussion
The first remedy Medorrhinum was prescribed based on the general symptoms that the patient exhibited (especially the desire for oranges, which was strong). Here, the case shows that he had a chronic condition running in him and that the gangrene was relapsing. This indicated that he needs to be given a deeper remedy, which can touch the basic layer of disease. Medorrhinum is one such remedy. Therefore, it cleared the gangrene and eased his asthma as well. His blood sugar also was brought under control.
However, in this case, the gangrene relapsed again because the patient went back to Corticosteroids for his asthma as he could not continue homoeopathic treatment. The suppression of his asthma made the deeper pathology relapse. At this time, the remedy that was indicated was one that has sepsis and putrefaction. [8] His other symptoms also indicated the same remedy. Moreover, indeed the gangrene healed well with Arsenicum album.
Case 4
A 66-year-old man with gangrene developing on the right foot [Figure 4](a-c). | Figure 4: Photographs of gangrene Case 4: (a) and (b) before treatment, (c) after treatment
Click here to view |
- He had diabetes for 25 years and was treated with 20 units of Insulin
- He had dryness of the mouth with some thirst
- He slept on his right side
- He had prior gangrene in the left foot and amputated toes (March 2006)
- He had a myocardial infarction (1989)
- Doppler study impression showed that the right superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery were patent and had a moderate disease with biphasic flows.
Right anterior and posterior tibial arteries were heavily calcified with poor/patchy dampened flows. Right mid posterior tibial artery showed a jet, suggesting high-grade stenosis.
Prescription and follow-up
The homoeopathic remedy Lachesis helped in healing the gangrene stabilized it in 4 months [Table 4].
Discussion
Lachesis is one of the remedies that have circulatory problems. In this case, the complete symptomatology and the pathology (arterial disease) were covered by Lachesis, but what was very strong was his side affiliation. The body showed a tendency to develop right sided afflictions after left-sided ones. He also had a strong inclination to sleep to the right. [6] These were very important symptoms and directed the physician toward the remedy. This case was very bad in terms of prognosis and healing of the gangrene without amputation is remarkable.
Case 5
A 70-year-old man who was scheduled for amputation of his hand due to diabetic gangrene in 2004. Unfortunately, his case sheet is missing, and a detailed follow-up is difficult to report. the symptoms recorded from the video discussion is mentioned [Table 5] and [Figure 5]a-d. | Figure 5: Photographs of gangrene Case 5: (a) and (b) before treatment, (c) during treatment (d) after treatment
Click here to view |
Symptoms
- Hunger at 11 am
- Heat felt in feet
- Desire for sweets.
Prescription and follow-up
The remedy Sulphur 30C was prescribed for 1-month during which the gangrene completely healed.
Note: This patient was exclusively on homeopathic treatment. No other medicines were employed.
Discussion
This patient was from a rural background and as such had a very well preserved health status. His symptoms (general as well as local) were very clear and marked. He did not show any mixture of remedies (again indicating that he was very healthy). [9] Therefore, considering general symptoms, Sulphur was prescribed which completely healed the gangrene in one-month.
| Conclusion | | |
A human being is not compartmentalized into his organ systems. The body functions and reacts as a whole. Furthermore, the body and mind is one complete complex and must be treated as such in order to improve health outcomes. One's emotions and thoughts have a great influence on the function of the body. The immune system not only responds to stimuli from outside the body but also to those from within, even from the mind. Unless this integrity is recognized and honored, we may be limiting our treatment approach. [3] By understanding the entirety of the human organism, any disease may be treated using the body's power to heal itself. Homoeopathy uses this power and pushes one's ability only as far as needed to overcome the disease obstacles.
In the above cases, we consider nonhealing wound turning into gangrene. In chronic arterial occlusion or long-standing peripheral vascular disease, collateral circulation usually develops to compensate for the occluded or inflamed vessel. [10],[11] In certain situations such as injury, new blood vessels develop as part of the wound healing process. This process is automatically regulated by the organism's defense mechanism. Indeed, wound healing is an orchestra of immune cells performing in perfect harmony and sequence. To heal a wound properly, a sequence of events must occur: hemostasis, inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation and migration followed by angiogenesis and firm scar tissue formation. Immune cells like neutrophils, must also clear the wound site of cellular debris and microbes. T-cells also play a prominent role in wound healing and scar tissue formation. [12] Therefore, wound healing is a multifaceted phenomenon.
If any of the events in the wound healing phenomenon fail (even a little), a nonhealing wound results; it may progress to gangrene due to overbearing infection. In such situations, Homoeopathy is beneficial because its focus is to stimulate the immune system, to re-establish order. [9] This is achieved by carefully understanding the disease and the patient's individual response to it and then by selecting a medicine based on this insight. In other words, Homoeopathy considers the totality of symptoms (even ones not obviously related to the pathology), along with the pathology itself. This makes for a holistic understanding of the patient's immune status. With the right homoeopathic remedy, the inflammation and wound healing process set in and finally close up the wound. Within a short period, the remedy heals the gangrene, controls infection, and establishes circulation. Furthermore, Homoeopathy is advantageous, because the general condition of the patient is preserved during this whole process of gangrene healing. In diabetic cases, one can also appreciate the control of blood sugar levels.
Homoeopathy can help preserve the integrity of the organism to a great extent. Indeed, cases of seemingly inevitable amputation (by conventional medicine) may surprisingly respond to Homoeopathy and may be saved. However, the limitation to this method is the expertise of the homoeopath. To assess the condition and later the progress of the patient, the homoeopath must be well equipped with the knowledge of pathology and of homoeopathic laws. He also needs a keen observation, without which dealing with such potentially fatal cases is not recommended. Furthermore, practically speaking, time is a limitation. There is very little time for even the most accomplished homoeopath to take care of these often dire situations. Usually, a classical homoeopathic physician can assess the prognosis within 24 hours of the remedy and understand (according to the laws of cure) where the case will progress. However, in some cases, even this much time can prove fatal. There is no time to decide on the right remedy after a mistake.
The above case reports clearly provide a rationale for the use of Homoeopathy in the treatment of gangrene. Importantly, it is essential to perform an interdisciplinary study of the gangrene cases treated with Homoeopathy using the latest imaging and pathology techniques. These case reports are indicative of what may be achieved with these pioneering treatments. The burden of amputation may be greatly reduced with further cooperation among therapeutic disciplines, and treatment can become holistic and patient-centric.
Financial Support and Sponsorship
Nil.
Conflict of Interest
There is no conflict of interest.
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[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5]
[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4], [Table 5]
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