2.7 Statistical analysis
Quantitative variables are presented as median and interquartile (IQ) range. In order to quantify the kinetics of HCMV DNAemia and UL21.5 mRNA, data were normalized by considering 100% the peak value of viral load detected by different assays the day of starting therapy (day 0) and then referring to it as percentages all values detected by the relevant assay either prior to or after onset of therapy. The median values detected in 7-day intervals before or after starting of therapy were calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were used to compare the time to clearance of DNAemia and UL21.5 mRNA. The Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed between UL21.5 mRNA and the other virological parameters, using Log10 values of HCMV DNA and UL21.5 mRNA load.