Statistical analysis
Demographic characteristics were assessed as counts and percentages for
categorical variables and standard measures (median and
interquartile range
(IQR)) for continuous variables.
Comparisons of paired measurements were performed using a non-parametric
Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. All statistical analyses were
performed with GraphPad Prism version 5.01 software (GraphPad Software,
La Jolla, CA, USA). A p-value < 0.05 was considered
statistically significant.