Methods for handling missing data in serially sampled sputum specimens for mycobacterial culture conversion calculation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The occurrence and timing of mycobacterial culture conversion is used as a proxy for tuberculosis treatment response. When researchers serially sample sputum during tuberculosis studies, contamination or missed visits leads to missing data points. Traditionally, this is managed by ignoring missing data or simple carry-forward techniques. Statistically advanced multiple imputation methods potentially decrease bias and retain sample size and statistical power.

Methods

We analyzed data from 261 participants who provided weekly sputa for the first 12 weeks of tuberculosis treatment. We compared methods for handling missing data points in a longitudinal study with a time-to-event outcome. Our primary outcome was time to culture conversion, defined as two consecutive we

SUBMITTER: Malatesta S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9675206 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature