Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-02841-0 (2023)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:
comparison between the first and second pandemic waves
Version: 
1 
Date: 
01 May 2023
Reviewer's report:
Bezzio et al. 
compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and SARS-CoV-2 infections between
pandemic waves. They found that between the first and second SARS-CoV-2
pandemic wave demographic, clinical and geographical features of IBD patients
were different as well as symptoms and outcomes of infection. These differences
are likely due to the different epidemiological situations and diagnostic
possibilities between the two waves.
I have only minor suggestions. Mainly, I would improve the discussion section
by extending the paragraph with the limitations of the study. For example, a
control group including the general population is missing. The authors, in fact,
stated in their conclusions: "These findings are consistent with those observed in
the general population and are likely due to the different epidemiological
situations and diagnostic possibilities between the two periods." However, they
did not include this control group.
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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?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
Yes
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes
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