Review for 10.1186/s12876-019-0989-x (2019)

Reviewer’s report
Title: Serum D-dimer Levels at Admission for Prediction of Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis
Version: 0 Date: 24 Mar 2019
Reviewer: WQ Li
Reviewer's report:
Early prediction of acute pancreatitis (AP) severity is one of clinical work and research focus. Although  
many studies and various prediction methods have been reported, there is still a long way to go from  
clinical application. This is a good study. First, the sample size is large, and time stratification is carried  
out according to the different time after admission. Second, D-dimer is a test index which has been  
routinely used in clinical practice to facilitate the later clinical application. Although there are some  
articles on D-dimer and AP (including those of our team), I still think this is a good clinical study and  
worth publishing. Of course, there are some problems in the article, which need to be revised.
1. Please utilise the assistance of a Professional English Language editing service - the manuscript  
is ridden with language errors throughout, which distracts readers from the message the authors  
wish to get across.
2. There are several abbreviations used throughout the manuscript without clarifying to the reader  
what they actually mean. One must not assume that the abbreviations used are universally  
accepted, even among pancreatologists. Will the authors please ensure that these are clarified  
throughout the manuscript?
3. Also, if the submitted manuscript is to be revised, I would strongly advise the authors to review  
all their data on AP and strictly classify the severity of AP in their patients as suggested by the  
landmark paper by Banks et al.
4. In the discussion section, please explain the possible mechanism of D-dimer caused aggravation  
of pancreatitis
5. Some percentages in the chart are suggested to be replaced by One decimal post-point.
6. This study is a retrospective study, and a prospective large samples study should be designed to  
verify this conclusion in the future.
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 English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
Needs some language corrections before being published
Declaration of competing interests
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manuscript?
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