Improved conditional imputation for linear regression with a randomly censored predictor

Stat Methods Med Res. 2019 Feb;28(2):432-444. doi: 10.1177/0962280217727033. Epub 2017 Aug 22.

Abstract

This article describes a nonparametric conditional imputation analytic method for randomly censored covariates in linear regression. While some existing methods make assumptions about the distribution of covariates or underestimate standard error due to lack of imputation error, the proposed approach is distribution-free and utilizes resampling to correct for variance underestimation. The performance of the novel method is assessed using simulations, and results are contrasted with methods currently used for a limit of detection censored design, including the complete case approach and other nonparametric approaches. Theoretical justifications for the proposed method are provided, and its application is demonstrated through a study of association between lipoprotein cholesterol in offspring and parental history of cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Bootstrap; censored covariate; complete case; conditional imputation; multiple imputation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
  • Computer Simulation
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / genetics
  • Linear Models*
  • Proportional Hazards Models