Simulation-based sample-sizing and power calculations in logistic regression with partial prior information

Pharm Stat. 2016 Nov;15(6):507-516. doi: 10.1002/pst.1773. Epub 2016 Sep 2.

Abstract

There have been many approximations developed for sample sizing of a logistic regression model with a single normally-distributed stimulus. Despite this, it has been recognised that there is no consensus as to the best method. In pharmaceutical drug development, simulation provides a powerful tool to characterise the operating characteristics of complex adaptive designs and is an ideal method for determining the sample size for such a problem. In this paper, we address some issues associated with applying simulation to determine the sample size for a given power in the context of logistic regression. These include efficient methods for evaluating the convolution of a logistic function and a normal density and an efficient heuristic approach to searching for the appropriate sample size. We illustrate our approach with three case studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: convolution; logistic regression; orthogonal polynomials; sample sizing; simulation.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Research Design*
  • Sample Size