Response to Letter to Editor

We fully agree with Dr. Ashwin Patel of Emory University School of Medicine.   The manuscript (1) as published, used standard statistical methods and did not take into account the small sample size (n=10) and the modified statistical route noted in Patels comments.  The reanalysis outlined in his note entitled “Selection of statistical tests influence the interpretation of a study outcome” relies on non-normal distribution for some variables especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP).  As a result of this reanalysis, significance can be attributed to the increase in the EPA levels and a strengthening of the p-value related to CRP.  We c ontinue to assert that specially formulated emulsions of docosahexaenoic acid especially as the triglyceride ester will reverse the deficiency of this fatty acid in the cell membrane of patients with sickle cell disease and should be considered part of a dietary intervention for all patients with th e disease regardless of age.  This is the first such intervention reported in adults with the disease.  Previous work showing similar results focused on children and adolescents (2).
Source: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research