Using generalized estimating equations and extensions in randomized trials with missing longitudinal patient reported outcome data.
Psychooncology
; 27(9): 2125-2131, 2018 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29802657
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are important in oncology research; however, missing data can pose a threat to the validity of results. Psycho-oncology researchers should be aware of the statistical options for handling missing data robustly. One rarely used set of methods, which includes extensions for handling missing data, is generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Our objective was to demonstrate use of GEEs to analyze PROs with missing data in randomized trials with assessments at fixed time points.METHODS:
We introduce GEEs and show, with a worked example, how to use GEEs that account for missing data inverse probability weighted GEEs and multiple imputation with GEE. We use data from an RCT evaluating a web-based brain training for cancer survivors reporting cognitive symptoms after chemotherapy treatment. The primary outcome for this demonstration is the binary outcome of cognitive impairment. Several methods are used, and results are compared.RESULTS:
We demonstrate that estimates can vary depending on the choice of analytical approach, with odds ratios for no cognitive impairment ranging from 2.04 to 5.74. While most of these estimates were statistically significant (P < 0.05), a few were not.CONCLUSIONS:
Researchers using PROs should use statistical methods that handle missing data in a way as to result in unbiased estimates. GEE extensions are analytic options for handling dropouts in longitudinal RCTs, particularly if the outcome is not continuous.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto
/
Medidas de Resultados Relatados pelo Paciente
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Psychooncology
Assunto da revista:
NEOPLASIAS
/
PSICOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos