Statistical Analysis
Continuous data are presented as mean ± standard deviation for Gaussian
variables or median [interquartile range (IQR)] for non-gaussian
variables and all categorical data as number (percentage). Normality was
assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Normally distributed
continuous data and categorical data were compared with Pearson’s
Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test when 25% of available data
points had expected values <5. Non-Gaussian distributions were
evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was
conducted to evaluate one- and five-year survival. Multivariable Cox
proportional hazard models (univariate inclusion p<0.05) were
used for modeling risk-adjusted predictors for mortality. Competing risk
methods by cumulative incidence function was used to model readmissions.