Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0780-4 (2018)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and bone mineral density: a 
retrospective cross -sectional study  
 
Version: 0 Date: 04 Feb 2018 
 
Reviewer:  Irene  Coati  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
Im my opinioin, this article is well organized with an interesting aim.  
 
I think the case group and the control one are many enough in order to obtain good comparisons.  
 
I have olny some minor points I wo uld like the authors explain better.  
 
Which are the precise criteria to include partecipants? Are there some limitations about age? Are 
there exclusion criteria about some specific diseases? In my opinion, the authors should better 
explain the criteria to i nclude partecipants in this study.  
 
In the section"Discussion", the authors explain the possible mechanisms underlying the 
correlation between H.pylori infection and low Bone Mineral Density. About the thesis of 
chronic gastritis, did the authors add patho logical reports of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in 
this study? In my opinion, the text could become more complete with the pathological reports.  
 
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 Engli sh 
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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