Global statistical tests for comparing multiple outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis trials. MIRA Trial Group.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate global statistical tests (GSTs) of treatment effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials measuring multiple outcomes.


METHODS
Using outcome measures from American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core set variables available in 3 RA trials, GSTs were calculated using the O'Brien ranking procedure and a procedure for binary data. GSTs take correlations among outcomes into account. Power calculations using 1 trial data set provide comparisons of GSTs and ACR criteria for improvement.


RESULTS
Spearman correlations among outcomes ranged from 0.21 to 0.73. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate had the lowest correlation with other outcomes in all 3 trials. Within a trial, joint swelling and joint tenderness or patient and physician assessment had the highest correlations, depending on the trial. Results were consistent with results using the ACR criteria, although the GST was more powerful.


CONCLUSIONS
GSTs are a useful tool for comparing treatment effects across multiple clinically meaningful outcome measures. The GST allows easy inclusion of validated, reliable new measures that are not a part of ACR criteria, such as quality of life, and can be computed with or without selecting a cutoff point defining patient improvement. GSTs should be considered for rheumatic disease treatment trials.
Tilley
B C
BC
Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Pillemer
S R
SR
Heyse
S P
SP
Li
S
S
Clegg
D O
DO
Alarcón
G S
GS
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome