The study by Simanowski et al described some important features of rectal proliferation and alcohol abuse (Gut 2001;49:418–22). However, there are some methodological issues pertaining to the study which need clarification. Firstly, when performing multiple linear regression, it is essential to perform and report sample size and power estimate calculations. This omission, especially with a sample size of only 39 patients, leaves the reader wondering if this sample is sufficient in size and power to adequately support the conclusions drawn from their regression analysis. Furthermore, by not reporting a r2 or an adjusted r2 value, the accuracy of the model is also not addressed. Possible correlations between independent variables should be investigated and discussed when reporting multiple regression results to further support the validity of the analysis.
Secondly, clarification of their patient populations is also required. They originally reported a cohort of 27 heavy drinkers (23 males, four females) and 12 control patients (five males and seven females) in the early paragraphs of the materials and methods section. Later, the authors discuss “rectal biopsies of 17 alcohol abusers (10 males, seven females) and 14 age matched controls (six males, eight females)”. Obviously not from the original cohort based on the different number of female patients and not referred to in any of the figures, the origin of this second group is unclear.
In summary, clarification regarding the above mentioned omissions would greatly solidify the conclusions of their research.