Statistical methods
Quantitative variables with are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), Medians [1st Q- 3rd Q]. Qualitative variables are expressed as percentages. The statistical analysis was carried out using “XLSTAT 2022.3.2.1346”. Data were analyzed using Student-test, Mann-Whitney and Chi square. To compare the two groups, per-protocol analysis was employed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with a log-rank test was utilized to compare the primary outcome measure. ANCOVA-test analysis was performed to identify independent factors that may influence the time to APL. All statistical tests were two sided and were performed at a significance level of α = 0.05.