Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01536-0 (2020)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Tolvaptan therapy of Chinese cirrhotic patients with ascites after
insufficient diuretic routine medication responses: A Phase III clinical trial
Version: 
2 
Date: 
12 Jun 2020
Reviewer's report:
This is an interesting study on the use of tolvaptan in cirrhosis. Other than the
obvious limitations which the authors have admitted including the lack of
objective measurement of ascites volume by ultrasound, the methods and
conclusions seem appropriate. I have a few queries to add
1. Was any data collected on the daily eating and drinking habits of the study
patients. It is important to know the amount of fluids consumed as this can have
obvious effects on the measured values of sodium and urine output.
Additionally, were these patients on salt free diet or salt restricted diet and how
was this ensured?
2. Were any of the patients receiving albumin or vasoactive medications like
octreotide or terlipressin during the term of the study?
3. The authors have made an interesting observation regarding a decreased
incidence of GI bleed in a subset of patients on tolvapatan. Do the authors have a
hypothesis for the same. 
4. Please clarify the paragraph on "adverse effects" in the results discussion as it
is very confusing. The sentences need better grammatical corrections. Apart
from that, please clarify the percentages too in detail
Thank you.
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
Yes
Does the work include the necessary controls?
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the
authors.
Yes
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.
Yes
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you
recommend an additional statistical review?
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects
require further assessment in your comments to the editors.
I am able to assess the statistics
Quality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
Acceptable
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