Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01477-8 (2020)

Reviewer’ s report
Title: The Clinical Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Entecavir plus Thymosin alpha-1 Combination
Therapy versus Entecavir Monotherapy in HBV-related Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review andMeta-analysis
Version: 0Date: 22 Jun 2020
Reviewer's report:
The article by Peng et al is a systematic review of the studies which explored the efficacy of the
Entecavir+thymosina-1 combo therapy in pts with HBV cirrhosis. According to the results itseems that the combo therapy is associated with higher efficacy in virological and biochemicalparameters compared to entecavir monotherapy. It seems however difficult to undestand how theseresults are drawn taking into account that entecavir mono has 98%-99% virological respone.
Comments
1. Why did the authors choose pts with cirrhosis? how did the diagnosis was performed? Patientswith evidence of portal hypertension were included in the analysis?2. The upper limit of age was 69. A explanation is needed.3. Details regarding thymosin-a dosing, route of administartion and side effects should be added.Other indications for thymosin-a are also needed4.How many pts were HBeAg pos?
5. HBsAg loss should also be added. Is there any differences between the 2 groups?
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NoAre 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?
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NoAre the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
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Yes
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additional statistical review?If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require furtherassessment in your comments to the editors.
I recommend additional statistical reviewQuality of written English
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Needs some language corrections before being publishedDeclaration of competing interests
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