Missing data perspectives of the fluvoxamine data set: a review

Stat Med. 1999 Sep;18(17-18):2449-64. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0258(19990915/30)18:17/18<2449::aid-sim268>3.0.co;2-w.

Abstract

Fitting models to incomplete categorical data requires more care than fitting models to the complete data counterparts, not only in the setting of missing data that are non-randomly missing, but even in the familiar missing at random setting. Various aspects of this point of view have been considered in the literature. We review it using data from a multi-centre trial on the relief of psychiatric symptoms. First, it is shown how the usual expected information matrix (referred to as naive information) is biased even under a missing at random mechanism. Second, issues that arise under non-random missingness assumptions are illustrated. It is argued that at least some of these problems can be avoided using contextual information.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Fluvoxamine / adverse effects
  • Fluvoxamine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluvoxamine