Scope of Mendelian randomization to control for unobserved confounding in epidemiology

The Mendelian randomization is an epidemiologic method proposed to control for spurious associations in observational studies. These associations are commonly caused by confusion derived from social, environmental, and behavioral factors, which can be difficult to measure. Mendelian randomization is...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inGaceta sanitaria Vol. 36; no. 3; p. 274
Main Authors Ancira-Moreno, Mónica, Smith, Natalia, Lamadrid-Figueroa, Héctor
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Spanish
Published Spain 01.05.2022
Subjects
Epidemiologic Methods
Humans
Mendelian Randomization Analysis - methods
Bias
Métodos epidemiológicos
Confounding
Sesgo
Genetics
Instrumental variables
Variables instrumentales
Genética
Mendelian randomization
Epidemiologic methods
Aleatorización mendeliana
Confusión
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The Mendelian randomization is an epidemiologic method proposed to control for spurious associations in observational studies. These associations are commonly caused by confusion derived from social, environmental, and behavioral factors, which can be difficult to measure. Mendelian randomization is based on the selection of genetic variants that are used as instrumental variables that influence exposure patterns or are associated with an intermediate phenotype of the disease. The present work aims to discuss how to select the appropriate genetic variants as instrumental variables and to present methodological tools to deal with the limitations of this epidemiological method. The use of instrumental variables for modifiable exposures has the potential to mitigate the effects of common limitations, such as confusion, when robust genetic variants are chosen as instrumental variables.
ISSN:1578-1283
DOI:10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.01.008