The application of large Gaussian mixed models to the analysis of 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data in clinical trials.

We propose the use of Gaussian mixed models to analyse statistically 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure data from clinical trials. We develop specific models and apply them to data from a clinical study that compares two angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We investigate and discuss computing issues related to the implementation of such methods. We conclude that this methodology provides a sophisticated but practical approach to the analysis of such data.