Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-1158-y (2020)

Reviewer’s report
Title: Aspirin Decreases Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Hepatitis C Virus Carriers: A
Nationwide Cohort Study
Version: 1 Date: 11 Oct 2019
Reviewer: Theodoros Androutsakos
Reviewer's report:
Congratulations for your work. However I have some questions and suggestions about it.
1. As HCV usually causes HCC in cirrhotic patients, or at least patients with F3 fibrosis, it is
strange that the vast majority of your HCC patietns had no moderate or severe liver disease. I
think that if this is the case you should comment on why this is happening, otherwise you
should state how 'moderate or severe liver disease' is defined. 
2. Since Genotype 3 (and maybe 6) is regarded as more 'carcinogenic' it would be interesting to
see what kind of genotypes these patients had (I understand this might not be feasible as this is a
retrospective study)
3. HIV coinfection also leads to higher incidence of HCC. Did any of your patients had HIV
coinfection or what that also an exclusion criterion?
4. What about alcohol consumption? Alcohol overconsumption also leads to a higher incidence
of HCC among HCV infected individuals
5. I think you should explain a little bit more the pathophysiological reason on why aspirin
would inhibit carcinogenesis
Overall I think your work could get published but it needs a little bit more work
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.
No
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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