Analysis of model development strategies: predicting ventral hernia recurrence

Julie L. Holihan, Linda T. Li, Erik P. Askenasy, Jacob A. Greenberg, Jerrod N. Keith, Robert G. Martindale, J. Scott Roth, Mike K. Liang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background There have been many attempts to identify variables associated with ventral hernia recurrence; however, it is unclear which statistical modeling approach results in models with greatest internal and external validity. We aim to assess the predictive accuracy of models developed using five common variable selection strategies to determine variables associated with hernia recurrence. Methods Two multicenter ventral hernia databases were used. Database 1 was randomly split into “development” and “internal validation” cohorts. Database 2 was designated “external validation”. The dependent variable for model development was hernia recurrence. Five variable selection strategies were used: (1) “clinical”—variables considered clinically relevant, (2) “selective stepwise”—all variables with a P value <0.20 were assessed in a step-backward model, (3) “liberal stepwise”—all variables were included and step-backward regression was performed, (4) “restrictive internal resampling,” and (5) “liberal internal resampling.” Variables were included with P < 0.05 for the Restrictive model and P < 0.10 for the Liberal model. A time-to-event analysis using Cox regression was performed using these strategies. The predictive accuracy of the developed models was tested on the internal and external validation cohorts using Harrell's C-statistic where C > 0.70 was considered “reasonable”. Results The recurrence rate was 32.9% (n = 173/526; median/range follow-up, 20/1-58 mo) for the development cohort, 36.0% (n = 95/264, median/range follow-up 20/1-61 mo) for the internal validation cohort, and 12.7% (n = 155/1224, median/range follow-up 9/1-50 mo) for the external validation cohort. Internal validation demonstrated reasonable predictive accuracy (C-statistics = 0.772, 0.760, 0.767, 0.757, 0.763), while on external validation, predictive accuracy dipped precipitously (C-statistic = 0.561, 0.557, 0.562, 0.553, 0.560). Conclusions Predictive accuracy was equally adequate on internal validation among models; however, on external validation, all five models failed to demonstrate utility. Future studies should report multiple variable selection techniques and demonstrate predictive accuracy on external data sets for model validation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-167
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Surgical Research
Volume206
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

Keywords

  • Bootstrapping
  • Hernia recurrence
  • Multivariate
  • Predictive model
  • Regression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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