Review for 10.1186/s12876-022-02614-1 (2022)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Application of a WeChat-based mini-app as a patient reminder in
Helicobacter pylori eradication: A prospective multi-center randomized
controlled study
Version: 
0 
Date: 
02 Jul 2022
Reviewer's report:
Review comments for the manuscript of BMGE-D-22-00277
The study by Sun et al. to investigate the influence of a daily mini-app-based
notification system (DMN) on H. pylori eradication. The study found that DMN
can improve patients' treatment compliance, but there is no statistical difference
in eradication rate and adverse event rate. Wechat is more convenient than
conventional telephone follow-up and SMS follow-up, which can improve
patients' understanding of disease treatment and reduce the burden of clinical
work. In general, the structure of the article is clear, but the innovation is not
enough. Similar studies have been published, and the description of research
quality control is unclear. It may be necessary to add more methodological
information to make readers better understand the research.
Major comments:
1. There are too few factors in the baseline table, and it is recommended to add:
such as smoking, drinking, living alone, HP infection and treatment of other
family members, previous antibiotics, acid suppressants, etc.
2. Using questionnaire to understand the information such as adverse effects and
symptom improvement, how to grasp the quality control in the design,
implementation and analysis of the questionnaire. Whether the interviewer is
blind, whether there is inquiry bias, etc.
3. Medication compliance was quantitatively evaluated by pill counting
technique. This method is more objective and economical. But how to confirm
that all the reduced drugs are really taken by patients. In the final count, how to
calculate if the patient is unwilling or forgets to bring back the remaining drugs.
It is suggested to add this part of information to the methodology and discussion.
4. The impact of loss of follow-up on the balance of baseline randomization, it is
recommended to add this part of the description.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
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