Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01553-z (2021)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Preoperative platelet count predicts posttransplant portal vein complications in orthotopic liver
transplantation: a propensity score analysis
Version: 
0 
Date: 
12 Jul 2020
Reviewer's report:
There are many reports about the impact of the post-transplant platelet count on the outcome of livre
transplantation, and also there are some about the pre-transplant platelet count, too. 
Generally, lower
platelet count has been reported with worse outcome. In the contrary, the submitted manuscript mentions
the worse outcome on the incidence of porta vein thrombosis (PVT). I have serious concern about the
message that may be published by this report, as below.
1. The title should be more focused to PVT. 
"Predicts posttransplant morbidity" 
is too wide.
2. There are no data about the change of the platelet count in the immediate post-transplant period. 
If
platelet may have influence of the hemostatic function, the real time count should be clarified in the post-
transplant period. 
3. The incidence of pretransplant PVT is shown in the table, and that shows no difference between the low
and high groups. 
However, as many reports have already shown, pretransplant PVT have positive influence
on the incidence of post-transplant PVT. 
If authors mention about the incidence of the PVT, grade of the
pre-transplant PVT and surgical procedures performed for PVT during the operation. 
Meticulous analysis
may give different result from the present one.
4.The result sounds like a statistical magic. Do authors consider that the smaller the platelet count is the
better? 
Because this result is generally against the consensus about the pretransplant platelet count, larger
sample size is necessary to stress the impact. 
Because platelet count is the continuous number, focused
study about the incidence of PVT using other statistical method is mandatory. 
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Yes
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
No
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Unable to assess
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
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Yes
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an additional
statistical review?
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in your comments to the editors.
I recommend additional statistical review
Quality of written English
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Acceptable
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