Estimating the mean hazard ratio parameters for clustered survival data with random clusters

Stat Med. 1997 Sep 15;16(17):2009-20. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0258(19970915)16:17<2009::aid-sim606>3.0.co;2-r.

Abstract

We consider a latent variable hazard model for clustered survival data where clusters are a random sample from an underlying population. We allow interactions between the random cluster effect and covariates. We use a maximum pseudo-likelihood estimator to estimate the mean hazard ratio parameters. We propose a bootstrap sampling scheme to obtain an estimate of the variance of the proposed estimator. Application of this method in large multi-centre clinical trials allows one to assess the mean treatment effect, where we consider participating centres as a random sample from an underlying population. We evaluate properties of the proposed estimators via extensive simulation studies. A real data example from the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) Prevention Trial illustrates the method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Cluster Analysis*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Enalapril / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Middle Aged
  • Proportional Hazards Models*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / drug therapy

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Enalapril