2.5 Meta Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software (Review Manager version 5.3, Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark). A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was utilized to describe continuous outcomes, and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to describe dichotomous outcomes. A random effects model was used in case of significant heterogeneity, and a fixed effect model was applied when heterogeneity was low. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q square test (P < 0.05 was considered an indicator of significant heterogeneity) and the I2 estimates ( < 50% low heterogeneity, > 50% high heterogeneity).