Statistical AnalysisÂ
All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version
23.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). Continuous variables were expressed
as mean±SD and compared using an unpaired Student t-test or the
nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Categorical variables were presented as
counts and percentages and compared using chi-square statistics or the
Fisher exact test. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to
identify the independent determinants of AVD progression. Variables for
inclusion were carefully chosen to ensure the parsimony of the final
models. Candidate variables that were considered clinically relevant
(based on clinical experience and previous literature) or showed a
univariate relationship with outcom (p<0.20) were included in
the multivariable model. P value<0.05 was considered
statistically significant.