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  • 1.  Mendellian Randomization

    Posted 03-30-2022 18:26
    A colleague asked me about the statistical methods in this paper, which is available for public download from JAMA network open.

    I'd appreciate suggestions from section members - for relevant citations to publications , or youtube lectures describing

    Mendelian Randomization methods.

    These are entirely new to me.  

    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2790520
    Biddinger, Kiran J., et al. "Association of Habitual Alcohol Intake With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease." JAMA Network Open 5.3 (2022): e223849-e223849.

    excerpting from the article
    Efforts to address this complex association through a randomized clinical trial have been met
    with logistical and ethical challenges, culminating in the discontinuation of a trial of modest alcohol
    consumption led by the National Institutes of Health.12 In the absence of a randomized trial, a
    technique using human genetic data (ie, mendelian randomization [MR]) has enabled assessment for
    potential causal associations by leveraging naturally occurring genetic variants as unbiased proxies
    for an exposure (ie, alcohol intake).13 Given the random allocation of genetic variants at conception,
    MR obviates concerns of confounding and reverse causality, 2 key limitations of observational
    epidemiology.

    Thank you

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    Chris Barker, Ph.D.
    2022 Statistical Consulting Section
    Chair-elect
    Consultant and
    Adjunct Associate Professor of Biostatistics
    www.barkerstats.com


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    "In composition you have all the time you want to decide what to say in 15 seconds, in improvisation you have 15 seconds."
    -Steve Lacy
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  • 2.  RE: Mendellian Randomization

    Posted 04-01-2022 15:10
    Chris,

    This subject was entirely new to me too, so I checked the Wikipedia page titled "Mendelian randomization" and noticed the downloadable pdf cited below. I found it a professionally produced executive summary suitable for technical audiences interested in an overview as noted below. The pdf is 22 pages long and provides 33 references.

    "Making sense of Mendelian randomization and its use in public health research
    A short overview by Sean Harrison, Laura Howe and Alisha R. Davies"

    Excerpted from the report ...

    " This short report is intended for a non-specialist audience (including but not limited to health economists, academics in other areas of expertise, public health (e.g. health practitioners or policy makers) to increase awareness of the approach, its strengths and weaknesses and its application. This is not a full review of Mendelian randomisation, nor is it a technical reference document, but we have provided references for further reading for those who are interested in learning more. "

    Harrison S¹, Howe L¹, Davies AR² (2020). Making sense of Mendelian randomisation and its use in
    public health research. Cardiff: Public Health Wales NHS Trust & Bristol University

    ¹ MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol
    ² Public Health Wales NHS Trust


    I hope this is useful.

    Tom

    Thomas D. Sandry, PhD
    Industrial Statistical Consultant, Retired

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    Thomas Sandry
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    Original Message