Statistical methods
Data were analyzed with an intention-to-treat approach. Continuous data were summarized using means and standard deviations, while categorical data were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Differences between the treatment groups on continuous variables were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and for categorical variables, difference in proportions was estimated with the Pearson method. In-hospital mortality was compared using Fisher’s exact test. Survival proportions were estimated with Kaplan–Meier method, and log-rank test was used to assess the difference in survival function. A significance level of 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Secondary neurocognitive outcomes were assessed in survivors who successfully completed long-term follow-up. All analyses were completed using R statistical software version 3.4.