Remission of long-standing livedoid vasculopathy using a whole foods plant-based diet with symptoms recurrent on re-challenge with standard Western diet.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effects of a whole food plant-based diet (WFPB) on livedoid vasculopathy symptoms in a single patient.
Results Summary
The patient's symptoms remitted completely with strict adherence to the WFPB diet and recurred with poor adherence, suggesting a dose-response relationship. No adverse effects were reported, though adherence was challenging at times.
Population
A 63-year-old woman with livedoid vasculopathy.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (whole food plant-based diet as advised).
Duration
Intervention began in 2016, with follow-up until symptom remission and recurrence observations.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
whole food plant-based diet (WFPB) | decrease | symptoms | 63-year-old woman with ulcerations of both lower legs | completely | remitted completely | #1 |
whole food plant-based diet (WFPB) | increase | symptoms | 63-year-old woman with ulcerations of both lower legs | - | recurred | #2 |
whole food plant-based diet (WFPB) | decrease | number and intensity of flares | 63-year-old woman with ulcerations of both lower legs | - | dose-response relationship | #3 |
whole food plant-based diet (WFPB) | no change | adverse side effects | 63-year-old woman with ulcerations of both lower legs | - | no known adverse side effects | #4 |
A 63-year-old woman presented with ulcerations of both lower legs. Symptom onset was 2006. In 2013 she saw a dermatologist and a biopsy suggested livedoid vasculopathy. In 2016 a whole food plant-based diet (WFPB) was advised as a potential treatment in the community setting. The patient changed her diet accordingly, but was not otherwise treated. The symptoms remitted completely with close adherence to the WFPB diet and recurred on multiple occasions associated with poor dietary adherence. There was a self-identified dose-response relationship with degree of adherence and number and intensity of flares. There were no known adverse side effects from the diet change, although the patient felt adherence to be difficult at times. The mechanism is not completely clear; we speculate that the dietary changes directly affect vascular endothelial health, which in turn affects propensity towards a prothrombotic state. More research is needed to elucidate potential mechanisms.