Title: A novel imaging index for predicting adverse progression in acute-on-chronic liver failure
related to hepatitis B virus: the low erector spine index
Version: 3 Date: 02 Aug 2023
Reviewer's report:
I have read the manuscript “A novel imaging index for predicting adverse progression in acute-
on-chronic liver failure related to hepatitis B virus: the low erector spine index Running Head:
Impact of erector spine mass on the prognosis of HBV-ACLF” by Zhou et al. After considering
the information regarding previous observations, I have serious concerns about the results
presented in this study.
1.- The authors used a different Hounsfield Unit (HU) threshold for skeletal muscle demarcation
compared to the specific thresholds established in the literature, which are -29 to 150 HU instead
of 35 to 50 HU (see “J Appl Physiol 1998; 85:115–122”). This is a major concern because the
results of this study are based on this variable.
2.- The categorization of erector spine index using the median as a reference is inappropriate.
It is recommendable to seek assistance from a professional in biostatics. This, like the previous
observation, is a major concern since this categorization forms the basis of the results of this
study.
Title: A novel imaging index for predicting adverse progression in acute-on-chronic liver failure
related to hepatitis B virus: the low erector spine index
Version: 3 Date: 02 Aug 2023
Reviewer's report:
I have read the manuscript “A novel imaging index for predicting adverse progression in acute-
on-chronic liver failure related to hepatitis B virus: the low erector spine index Running Head:
Impact of erector spine mass on the prognosis of HBV-ACLF” by Zhou et al. After considering
the information regarding previous observations, I have serious concerns about the results
presented in this study.
1.- The authors used a different Hounsfield Unit (HU) threshold for skeletal muscle demarcation
compared to the specific thresholds established in the literature, which are -29 to 150 HU instead
of 35 to 50 HU (see “J Appl Physiol 1998; 85:115–122”). This is a major concern because the
results of this study are based on this variable.
2.- The categorization of erector spine index using the median as a reference is inappropriate.
It is recommendable to seek assistance from a professional in biostatics. This, like the previous
observation, is a major concern since this categorization forms the basis of the results of this
study.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: A novel imaging index for predicting adverse progression in acute-on-chronic liver failure
related to hepatitis B virus: the low erector spine index
Version: 3 Date: 02 Aug 2023
Reviewer's report:
I have read the manuscript “A novel imaging index for predicting adverse progression in acute-
on-chronic liver failure related to hepatitis B virus: the low erector spine index Running Head:
Impact of erector spine mass on the prognosis of HBV-ACLF” by Zhou et al. After considering
the information regarding previous observations, I have serious concerns about the results
presented in this study.
1.- The authors used a different Hounsfield Unit (HU) threshold for skeletal muscle demarcation
compared to the specific thresholds established in the literature, which are -29 to 150 HU instead
of 35 to 50 HU (see “J Appl Physiol 1998; 85:115–122”). This is a major concern because the
results of this study are based on this variable.
2.- The categorization of erector spine index using the median as a reference is inappropriate.
It is recommendable to seek assistance from a professional in biostatics. This, like the previous
observation, is a major concern since this categorization forms the basis of the results of this
study.
assistant