Statistical analysis
Descriptive data are expressed as proportions, and continuous variables
as mean plus standard deviation. Continuous variables with normal
distribution were compared using the paired t-test. Univariate and
multivariate logistic regression modelling identified factors associated
with treatment response. A final model was constructed using a stepwise
method with backward selection; p values < 0.15 in
univariate analysis were set for the entry of variables. The
Linear-by-Linear association test was used to analyze trends for
categorical variables. Two-sided p values < 0.05 were
considered to indicate significance. All analyses were performed using
the SPSS ver. 24.0 (IBM Corporation, USA) software.