Table 3.
Methods for handling missing data in sensitivity analysis in 27 trials
| Sensitivity method | Assumption | Primary analysis | Assumption | N | Total N (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete case | MCAR | Simple imputation | MCAR | 3 | 6 (22) |
| MI | MAR | 2 | |||
| Mixed Model | MAR | 1 | |||
| Simple imputation1 | MCAR | GEE | MCAR | 1 | 4 (15) |
| MI | MAR | 1 | |||
| Mixed model | MAR | 2 | |||
| GEE (un-weighted) | MCAR | Complete case | MCAR | 1 | 1 (4) |
| MI2 | MAR | Complete case | MCAR | 6 | 10 (37) |
| Simple imputation | MCAR | 1 | |||
| GEE | MCAR | 1 | |||
| Mixed model | MAR | 2 | |||
| Mixed model | MAR | Complete case | MCAR | 2 | 2 (7) |
| Adjustment using auxiliary data | MAR | Mixed model | MAR | 2 | 2 (7) |
| Unclear | Complete case | MCAR | 1 | 2 (7) | |
| Simple imputation | MCAR | 1 |
1One trial also performed complete case analysis.
2One trial also performed simple imputation.