title: Multinomial logistic functions in markov chain models of sleep architecture: internal and external validation and covariate analysis.
abstract: Mixed-effect Markov chain models have been recently proposed to characterize the time course of transition probabilities between sleep stages in insomniac patients. The most recent one, based on multinomial logistic functions, was used as a base to develop a final model combining the strengths of the existing ones. This final model was validated on placebo data applying also new diagnostic methods and then used for the inclusion of potential age, gender, and BMI effects. Internal validation was performed through simplified posterior predictive check (sPPC), visual predictive check (VPC) for categorical data, and new visual methods based on stochastic simulation and estimation and called visual estimation check (VEC). External validation mainly relied on the evaluation of the objective function value and sPPC. Covariate effects were identified through stepwise covariate modeling within NONMEM VI. New model features were introduced in the model, providing significant sPPC improvements. Outcomes from VPC, VEC, and external validation were generally very good. Age, gender, and BMI were found to be statistically significant covariates, but their inclusion did not improve substantially the model's predictive performance. In summary, an improved model for sleep internal architecture has been developed and suitably validated in insomniac patients treated with placebo. Thereafter, covariate effects have been included into the final model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy. roberto.bizzotto@gmail.com
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bizzotto
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zamuner
authors.forename: Enrica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mezzalana
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Nicolao
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gomeni
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hooker
authors.forename: Mats O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Karlsson
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008390:Markov Chains; D008954:Models, Biological; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D017286:Polysomnography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors