Conditional GEE for recurrent event gap times

Biostatistics. 2009 Jul;10(3):451-67. doi: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxp004. Epub 2009 Mar 18.

Abstract

This paper deals with the analysis of recurrent event data subject to censored observation. Using a suitable adaptation of generalized estimating equations for longitudinal data, we propose a straightforward methodology for estimating the parameters indexing the conditional means and variances of the process interevent (i.e. gap) times. The proposed methodology permits the use of both time-fixed and time-varying covariates, as well as transformations of the gap times, creating a flexible and useful class of methods for analyzing gap-time data. Censoring is dealt with by imposing a parametric assumption on the censored gap times, and extensive simulation results demonstrate the relative robustness of parameter estimates even when this parametric assumption is incorrect. A suitable large-sample theory is developed. Finally, we use our methods to analyze data from a randomized trial of asthma prevention in young children.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / prevention & control
  • Biometry
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Longitudinal Studies*
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / statistics & numerical data
  • Recurrence
  • Time Factors