Integrative medicine approach in the treatment of Autoimmune diseases

Activity: Talk or presentation typesOral presentation

Description

Objective. Autoimmune diseases pose significant health challenges, and conventional treatments often have limitations. The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of use of integrative medicine in the treatment of autoimmune diseases through evidence-based data analysis. Integrative medicine combines the principles of conventional Western medicine with complementary therapies to create a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare.
Methods. A systematic literature review was conducted, including studies published until October 2023. PubMed database was searched systematically for relevant articles. Inclusion criteria considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case-control studies focusing on integrative medicine interventions for autoimmune diseases. Data from selected studies were extracted and synthesized to assess the impact of integrative medicine approaches.
Results. A total of 3145 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Integrative medicine interventions encompassed acupuncture (470), herbal remedies (2434), yoga (128), taichi (13) and meditation (100). Studies covered a range of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The results demonstrated a variable reduction in disease activity scores for autoimmune patients undergoing integrative medicine treatments. Improvements in quality of life, pain management, and psychological well-being were observed across multiple autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions. This evidence-based data analysis supports the potential of integrative medicine approaches as valuable adjunct therapies for autoimmune diseases. Integrative medicine interventions show promise in improving disease activity, enhancing the quality of life and addressing psychological well-being among patients. A healthier workforce is more productive, leading to economic growth and reduces the strain on public health resources. However, the varying degrees of effectiveness across different autoimmune diseases emphasize the importance of personalized treatment strategies. Further research should explore the long-term effects, safety profiles, and optimal combinations of integrative medicine approaches in managing autoimmune diseases.
Period9 Nov 2023
Event titleInternational conference 'Autoimmune diseases: main problems and solutions'
Event typeConference
OrganiserRīga Stradiņš University
LocationRiga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational