Sir,
This is with reference to the comments on our article.[1,2] Respected reader has raised his/her concern on the criteria that merited its publication. In support of our published article, we humbly put forward the following:
The established drug efficacy studies/concepts need repetition in different gene pool/geographical area to verify the optimal results in diverse situations.[3,4] The repeated validation in dissimilar condition makes the established fact more relevant.
Apart from the efficacy of hydroxyurea, we also had our concern about safety aspects throughout the study period.[2]
Even the negative results are welcome in scientific community and some of the journals are fanatical for this job. We have conducted a scientifically sound, ethically approved, prospective study in sickle cell disease endemic tribal area which itself holds some logical merit to make a place in indexed journal.[5]
Our main objective was to recommend a wider adoption of hydroxyurea for treatment in areas of high prevalence of sickle cell disease, which is still lacking. The Indian Journal of Pharmacology has shown a full accountability and scientific conclusion to decide on this study in their much valued journal.
References
- 1.Beedimani R. The novelty of research article: Whose responsibility is it? Indian J Pharmacol. 2011;43:94–5. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.75689. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Singh H, Dulhani N, Kumar BN, Singh P, Tiwari P. Effective control of sickle cell disease with hydroxyurea therapy. Indian J Pharmacol. 2010;42:32–5. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.62409. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.Steinberg MH, Barton F, Castro O, Pegelow CH, Ballas SK, Kutlar A, et al. Effect of hydroxyurea on mortality and morbidity in adult sickle cell anemia: Risks and benefits up to 9 years of treatment. JAMA. 2003;289:1645–1. doi: 10.1001/jama.289.13.1645. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 4.Jayabose S, Tugal O, Sandoval C, Patel P, Puder D, Lin T, et al. Clinical and hematologic effects of hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell anemia. J Pediatr. 1996;129:559–65. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(96)70121-x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 5.A biannual newsletter of regional medical research centre for tribals, Jabalpur, April 2005. Available from: http://icmr.nic.in/000519/Newsletter_vol2No1.pdf [last accessed on 2009]
