When data on dropouts are carried forward and included in the evaluation (Last Observation Carried Forward, LOCF), they will be analysed according to the primary studies.
Data on secondary endpoints were analysed for the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (all subjects who were randomized to the study, received study drug and had a valid baseline and at least one post-baseline HbA1c measurement), using the last observation carried forward for dropouts.
With the LVCF method, imputation of data halts progression at dropout or crossover and carries forward the pre-dropout assessment throughout the study, with zero carried forward at death.
aAdjusted ES based on the AP group with the dropout values from baseline carried forward to the 12-month follow-up.
To better understand how these differences may have influenced the secondary outcome results, we did the analysis of covariance again with last observation carried forward for the dropouts.
Another potential limitation is that studies often use different methods for handling missing data due to dropouts, including last observation carried forward, baseline observation carried forward, multiple imputation, available data, and others.
Second, we included dropouts with their last observation carried forward (LOCF) to include all randomized participants for ITT.
They also demonstrated that using the last disease status, observation carried forward as a covariate for the dropout hazard function did not describe the dropout time distribution as well as using the predicted progress of the disease.
Mr. Lee, a high school dropout, told The Lincoln Journal Star that he was looking forward to "a little music, some education, some partying -- the whole college experience".
Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis, with the dropouts included and the last observation carried forward [ 45].
