Therapeutic Evaluation of Hijama in End Stage / Chronic Renal Failure Patients

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the therapeutic effectiveness of Hijama for the first time on Chronic Renal failure patients maintained on hemodialysis for past several years and whose urinary output is almost none.

Methods: 24 patients were selected randomly receiving hemodialysis for an average of 3 years in a government hospital, Karachi with the consent of the ethical committee of the hospital, nephrologist in charge and patients. The technique of Hijama was performed on each patient once weekly. Hijama was performed after their dialysis session. The serum Urea, Creatinine, complete blood count and electrolytes were checked prior to hijama as baseline values. The study was continued for a period of 6 months. Hence investigations were again recorded after performing hijama for six months and the comparison was made.

Results: The patients' feedback which was recorded on every session showed that almost all of the patients reported a significant recovery from severe lethargy which they faced previously during the interval between the dialysis sessions. Anorexia was improved significantly. Insomnia was improved to a great extent and their quality of sleep was improved significantly compared to Insomnia previously. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was improved in almost all of the patients. Before Hijama their blood pressure was almost always high which was lowered to almost normal in almost all of the patients. There was some lowering of Serum Creatinine and Urea level, but this improvement was not persistent. There were fluctuations in the serum levels of Creatinine and Urea. The hemoglobin level was improved in almost all of the patients. Prior to Hijama these patients frequently needed blood transfusions due to nephropathic anemia. But after the Hijama sessions their hemoglobin level was maintained. There was slight improvement in Urinary output in 2 out of 10 patients.

Conclusion: In this pilot study it was concluded that

1. Hijama can be performed safely on renal failure patients receiving dialysis.
2. Creatinine was significantly reduced after hijama.
3. Platelet count was improved highly significantly.
4. Electrolytes were improved significantly.
5. Favorable improvements were recorded in almost all rest of the parameters.
6. Hijama was beneficial for lethargy.
7. Hijama improves appetite.
8. Hijama improves quality of sleep
9. Overall quality of life is improved by Hijama.
10. Slight improvement in urinary output was recorded in 2 out of 24 patients.