Statistical analysis:
Data were analyzed using SPSS software package version 26 (IBM, New
York, USA). According to the type of distribution estimated by
one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, parametric or non-parametric
analyses were performed. Results are reported as mean ± SD if normally
distributed or median (Q1-Q3) otherwise.
To compare pre- and post-treatment LS and CAP values, Wilcoxon
signed-rank test was applied. Univariate analysis was performed by the
Chi-square test ± the Fisher’s exact test, the independent-samples T
test, or the Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. A multiple regression
analysis was used to predict the association between LS changes as a
dependent variable and gender, age, body mass index (BMI), HCV viral
load and genotype, baseline LS value, and history of receiving prior
treatment as independent variables. A p-value below 0.05 was considered
statistically significant.