Review for 10.1186/s12876-021-01738-0 (2021)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Linaclotide for the treatment of refractory lower bowel manifestations of
systemic sclerosis
Version: 
0 
Date: 
30 Oct 2020
Reviewer's report:
Comments to authors
1. All abbreviations in the abstract must be written in full.
2. Grammar and punctuation needs some editing. For example; "We performed a
analysis of patients seen at the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center"……….
should be "We performed an analysis of patients seen at the Johns Hopkins
Scleroderma Center"
3. Table 1 is incomplete. Authors reported the number of female as 29
representing 94% however their sample size is 31. Similar observation with race.
4. The p-value for the side effects between High-dose and Low-dose linaclotide
was not computed. Any possible reasons. 
5. Are the side effects listed by the authors acute or chronic effects? 
6. Authors stated in their methodology that; "All patients had data prospectively
collected as part of the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center Cohort.", however in
the last part of their discussion authors stated that; "As a retrospective series, our
data collection was limited by the intrinsic heterogeneity related to clinical
documentation". Therefore, authors should clarify whether the study is
retrospective or prospective and also make the necessary amendments. 
7. Authors stated that; "All included patients were required to have at least one
follow-up visit or telephone note documenting compliance with the
medication."…...Authors should consider stating the minimum follow-up time
either in days or months.
8. The sample size is very small. 
9. Authors should use footnote to differentiate Fisher's exact test from Chi-
square test.
10. Authors should clearly state their exclusion 
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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?
Yes
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from apparent manipulation?
Yes