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.