Statistical analysis
The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for continuous data
(age, body mass index, and laboratory parameters). Statistically
significant differences in the means were assessed using the
Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests for non-normally distributed unpaired
and paired data, respectively. Normality was tested using the
Shapiro–Wilk normality test. Proportions were calculated for
attributive data, and statistically significant differences in
proportions were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test. Correlation was
determined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r).
Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 8 (GraphPad
Software, San Diego, CA, USA).