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).