Case notes

Resveratrol

Neuro Medical Clinic, Mall Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi · Dr. Umar Zafar Ali, Neurologist & Medical Specialist

A young boy wheel chair bound, brought with complaints of multiple nodular swelling, bone pain and recurrent osteomyelitis. He had many antibiotics and local surgeries for last 07 yrs. For some reason he had splenectomy in the past.

Bone marrow was asked to confirm the suspicion of gaucher disease. Report showed PAS positive lipid laden gaucher cells. Glucocerebrosidase deficiency confirmed from Mayo clinic lab.

As treatment includes enzyme replacement and is costly affair, alternative was sought.

Resveratrol is well known for its beneficial metabolic and antiapoptic effect. It is also a good plant source of enzyme glucocerebrosidase.

Resveratrol 500mg twice daily completely resolved the disease and boy was up and about after 03 months. Nearly 02 year of followup and boy is doing well.

Doing it properly

Little and often beats one long session. Keep to the stated frequency for at least two weeks before judging whether it is helping, and stop any movement that causes sharp pain rather than working through it.

Come in if

Symptoms are worsening, waking you at night, spreading to a new limb, or unchanged after four weeks. Walk in during clinic hours — Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 06:00 pm — and bring this guide and any reports with you.

A question about your own case is better answered by the doctor than by a guide. Message the clinic with your name and file number.

General education, not a prescription. Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, slurred speech, a first-ever fit, a face that has drooped, or the worst headache of your life.