Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01236-9 (2020)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Cumulative Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen 
Seroclearance after Nucleos (t)ide analogue -induced Hepatitis B e Antigen Seroclearance  
 
Version: 1 Date: 06 Jan 2020  
 
Reviewer: Monica Robotin  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
I am happy that the authors adequately addressed all point of clarification raised previously.  
 
While the Discussion reads much better, I think that to enhance the likelihood that these findings 
could impact on current clinical  practice, the authors could make recommendations of what 
needs to change in the current management, beyond simply stating that  HCC surveillance should 
be conducted "at early stages" (what does this mean exactly?). Should follow up be 
individualised  and if so, how - should cirrhotic / older patients be screened and followed up 
differently and if so, how?  
 
 
Small points  
 
Under Methods on page 4 add "that" in the following sentence: We excluded patients experience 
peginterferon treatment", or rephrase  
 
On pag e 6 "according achieved HBeAg..." please pay attention to the syntax to facilitate 
understanding - maybe start with "The cumulative rate of HCC development ...etc"  
 
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 i n 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 manus cript or would you recommend an 
additional s tatistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please speci fy 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 lang uage in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1.  Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, f ees, funding, or salary 
from an organisation that may in any way gain or lose financial ly from the 
publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2.  Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation t hat may in any way gain or 
lose financially from the publication of this  manuscript, either now or in the 
future?  
 
3.  Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents  relating to the content 
of the manuscript?  
 
4.  Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization 
that holds or has applied f or patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5.  Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6.  Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have  no com peting interests' 
below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests  
 
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