For a given parameter within a BDS dataset, it is important (1) to be able to distinguish analysis values that are special cases of AVAL/AVALC (those for which the value is determined differently than the other analysis values within the parameter), and (2) to understand what method or algorithm was used to populate each special case. The variable DTYPE is to be used to identify records within a given parameter that contain these special-case analysis values. The value of DTYPE indicates the method used for populating the analysis value; a null value of DTYPE indicates the analysis value was not a special case. The metadata for AVAL (or AVALC) will give further information about the details of any algorithm or statistical method used to derive or impute these values. When the analysis value on a record within a parameter has been imputed or modified, DTYPE will indicate the method used to populate the analysis value. DTYPE would be used if there are special cases within the new parameter that should be identified. If a parameter is wholly derived (e.g., a time-to-event parameter), then it is a misapplication to populate DTYPE for all records in that parameter because, by definition, all records are derived using the same method.

Variable Name

Variable Label

Type

Codelist/ Controlled Terms

Core

CDISC Notes

DTYPE

Derivation Type

Char

(DTYPE)

Cond

Analysis value derivation method. DTYPE is used to denote, and must be populated, when the value of AVAL or AVALC has been imputed or derived differently than the other analysis values within the parameter. DTYPE is required to be populated even if AVAL and AVALC are null on the derived record. 

Three common situations when DTYPE should be populated:

  • A new row is added within a parameter with the analysis value populated based on other rows within the parameter.
  • A new row is added within a parameter with the analysis value populated based on a constant value or data from other subjects.
  • An analysis value (AVAL or AVALC) on an existing record is being replaced with a value based on a pre-specified algorithm.

DTYPE is used to denote analysis values that are "special cases" within a parameter. For each value of DTYPE, the precise derivation algorithm must be defined in analysis variable metadata, even for DTYPE values in the CDISC Controlled Terminology. The controlled terminology for DTYPE is extensible.

Some examples of DTYPE values:

  • LOCF = last observation carried forward
  • WOCF = worst observation carried forward
  • AVERAGE = average of values

If analysis timepoints are defined by relative day or hour windows, then the variables in the following table may be used along with ADY or ARELTM to clarify how the record representing each analysis timepoint was chosen from among the possible candidates. The record chosen is indicated by the analyzed record flag ANLzzFL (see Section 2.9.6.10, Indicator Variables for BDS Datasets). Note that the variables in this table may not be applicable in all situations and are presented as an option.

Variable Name

Variable Label

Type

Codelist/ Controlled Terms

Core

CDISC Notes

AWRANGE

Analysis Window Valid Relative Range

Char


Perm

The range of values that are valid for a given analysis timepoint (a given value of AVISIT). For example, "5-9 DAYS".

AWTARGET

Analysis Window Target

Num


Perm

The target or most desired analysis relative day (ADY) value or analysis relative time (ARELTM) value for a given value of AVISIT.

AWTDIFF

Analysis Window Diff from Target

Num


Perm

Absolute difference between ADY or ARELTM and AWTARGET. It will be necessary to adjust for the fact that there is no Day 0 in the event that ADY and AWTARGET are not of the same sign.

If the sign of the difference is important, then AWTDIFF might have to be used in conjunction with ADY or ARELTM and possibly AWTARGET when choosing among records.

AWLO

Analysis Window Beginning Timepoint

Num


Perm

The value of the beginning timepoint (inclusive) needs to be used in conjunction to AWRANGE. For example, if AWRANGE is "5-9 DAYS", then AWLO is "5".

AWHI

Analysis Window Ending Timepoint

Num


Perm

The value of the ending timepoint (inclusive) needs to be used in conjunction to AWRANGE. For example, if AWRANGE is "5-9 DAYS", then AWHI is "9".

AWU

Analysis Window Unit

Char


Perm

Unit used for AWTARGET, AWTDIFF, AWLO and AWHI. Examples: DAYS, HOURS.

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