READERS VIEWPOINT/LETTER

Year : 2016  |  Volume : 35  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 249-250

Author response: Successful treatment of Guillain–Barre syndrome by Ayurvedic treatment

Amit Nakanekar
Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurvedic College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, x, India

Correspondence Address:
Amit Nakanekar
Government Ayurvedic College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

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DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.188186

1. In the conclusion section of the article we have already mentioned that this case study gives us further leads for the clinical trial. This case study has given us a research question for further clinical trials. Usually case reports are considered as very weak evidence in evidence based medicine. They also add tiny bit of information; yet they present unusual and thought provoking innovative therapeutic approaches.^[3] This case study is similar. The authors agree that further clinical trials are necessary, but it is also important to note that it would be unethical and wastage of time and money, if we go for large clinical trials without any evidence. This case report may serve such a need
2. None of the authors are working in GMC Nagpur and have no control over treatment advised by treating consultants there. If the treatment at GMC Nagpur was not standard treatment it cannot be the responsibility of the author. The patient was offered IVIG (intravenous immunoglobins) treatment which he couldn't afford and hence the patient and his relatives decided to go with Ayurvedic treatment. He has reported the same in his history. He and his relatives have also given informed consent for treatment as well as publication of this report. (Consent is also uploaded on the journal portal)
3. MRI lumbosacral spine with screening of whole spine was done. Screening did not reveal any abnormality. (Scanned reports are uploaded on the journal portal.)
4. Peripheral smear for malarial parasite was negative hence possibility of malaria was ruled out. As mentioned in history, local doctor told the patient that malarial test is negative. Questions about confirmation of diagnosis were also raised during peer reviewing process and they were also answered adequately. Diagnosis mentioned on the discharge card given from GMC Nagpur was also GBS. (We have already uploaded the scanned image on the journal portal). Confirmation of GBS was also done after consulting with a neurologist. Authors have also acknowledged the neurologist for his help
5. We have given reference for recovery of GBS patients in discussion section of article.^[2] We will be very happy to work with modern experts in the field. Involvement of neurologist in the case itself is suggestive of our openness. The same case report was also presented in update Ayurved 2014 conference arranged in Nair Hospital Mumbai. It was also selected for, 'Dr. Sharadini Dahanukar' Prize Paper section. Many modern experts have also discussed this case on the same forum. Conclusion of the discussion was that an RCT to be conducted
6. We have also emphasized Ayurvedic concepts behind this treatment; hence only a substitution of treatment might not solve purpose if Ayurvedic diagnosis is absent. Patient is healthy after discharge and he does not have any complaints. It is for sure that patient has achieved full recovery
7. After treating the above case, one more case of GBS who had already received immunoglobins but hadn't recovered after 2 years of treatment was also sent to authors for treatment. Treatment of that patient is going on currently. We are observing an improvement in his gait.

References

1.	Shubhakaran KP. Successful treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome by ayurvedic treatment. Anc Sci Life 2016;35:184.
2.	Nakanekar A, Bhople S, Gulhane H, Rathod S, Gulhane J, Bonde P. An ayurvedic approach in the management of Guillain-Barre syndrome: A case study. Anc Sci Life 2015;35:52-7.
3.	Parikh M, Hajra A, Mukharjee J, Gogtey N. Research Methodology Simplified Every Clinician a Researcher. 1st ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Publishers (p) Ltd.; 2010. p. 16.