Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-02967-1 (2023)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Establishment and validation of a prognosis nomogram for MIMIC-III
patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with hepatic encephalopathy
Version: 
0 
Date: 
19 Dec 2022
Reviewer: 
Huseyin Alkim
Reviewer's report:
The statistical methods used in the study are high-level and complex. I
recommend a review by a statistician to assess the accuracy of the methods used.
But at least I can say this: it is wrong to include SOFA and RDW in the
multivariate cox regression analysis because the confidence interval of SOFA
was found to be between 0.998-1.119, while that of RDW was found to be
0.994-1.122. The researchers noted that they included SOFA and RDW because
they were found to be important in previous studies. In this case, many things
that were important in previous studies should be included in the multivariate
regression analysis.
The study's data on the use of albumin and proton pump inhibitors are
completely contradictory to what has been found and known to date. I think they
need to have a more detailed discussion on this issue.
The literature used is out of date. They need to discuss their data in the context
of more recent literature.
I couldn't figure out how to evaluate Figures 2 and 5.
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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?
No
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
No
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
No
Is the presentation of the work clear?
No
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes
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