Multivariable fractional polynomial interaction to investigate continuous effect modifiers in a meta-analysis on higher versus lower PEEP for patients with ARDS.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

A recent individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis suggested that patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) benefit from higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation strategies. However, thresholds for continuous variables (eg, hypoxaemia) are often arbitrary and linearity assumptions in regression approaches may not hold; the multivariable fractional polynomial interaction (MFPI) approach can address both problems. The objective of this study was to apply the MFPI approach to investigate interactions between four continuous patient baseline variables and higher versus lower PEEP on clinical outcomes.

Setting

Pooled data from three randomised trials in intensive care identified by a systematic review.

Participan

SUBMITTER: Kasenda B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5020750 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature