Statistical analysis
The data analysis was performed using the SPSS® statistical package
(version 21.0; IBM Company®; New York, United States). The homogeneity
of the demographic variables and other clinical parameters were analysed
at the beginning of the study (having a non-normal distribution) and
compared among groups. The description will be made using the
quantitative median and range, as well as the absolute frequency and
relative frequency of the qualitative variables. For the analysis of the
characteristics of the three treatment groups, a Kruskal Wallis test was
performed in the case of quantitative variables and Fisher’s exact test
in the case of dichotomous variables.