Table 2.
Multivariable analysis of predictors for level IB LNs metastases at diagnosis in 1438 patients
| Variable | HR | 95 % CI | P * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age, ≧50 years vs. <50 years | 1.51 | 0.78–2.94 | .219 |
| T classification, T4 vs. T1-3 | 1.16 | 0.53–2.52 | .708 |
| Nasal cavity involvement, (+) vs. (−) | 1.31 | 0.65–2.64 | .446 |
| Oropharynx involvement, (+) vs. (−) | 2.59 | 1.18–5.69 | .018 |
| Positive RLNs, (+) vs. (−) | 2.85 | 0.86–9.50 | .088 |
| Positive CLNs, (+) vs. (−) | 2.53 | 0.80–8.01 | .113 |
| LN necrosis, (+) vs. (−) | 1.22 | 0.59–2.52 | .594 |
| LNs with ES, (+) vs. (−) | 0.57 | 0.27–1.19 | .131 |
| DLN-IIa ≥ 20 mm or level IIa LNs with ES, (+) vs. (−) | 2.21 | 1.10–4.46 | .026 |
| MAD of LNs ≥30 mm, (+) vs.(−) | 1.51 | 0.70–3.25 | .293 |
| Positive bilateral CLNs, (+) vs.(−) | 1.95 | 0.97–3.92 | .061 |
| Positive CLNs at supraclavicular fossa, (+) vs. (−) | 2.04 | 0.87–4.82 | .103 |
Abbreviations: LNs, lymph nodes; HR, hazard ratio; 95 % CI, 95 % confidence interval; RLNs, retropharyngeal lymph nodes; CLNs, cervical lymph nodes; DLN-IIa, greatest dimension of level IIa lymph nodes; MAD, maximal axial diameter; ES, extra-capsular spread
*P-values were calculated using a binary logistic regression model