2.4. Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 14 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA). Baseline characteristics were compared using a Student’s t-test and a chi-square test. A paired t-test was used to assess changes of the studied variables within each group. A Student’s t-test was conducted to compare differences in all variables between groups after the follow-up period. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the studied variables.