Use of Multivariable Mendelian Randomization to Address Biases Due to Competing Risk Before Recruitment

Bibliographic Details
Title: Use of Multivariable Mendelian Randomization to Address Biases Due to Competing Risk Before Recruitment
Authors: C. M. Schooling, P. M. Lopez, Z. Yang, J. V. Zhao, Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Jian V. Huang
Source: Frontiers in Genetics, Vol 11 (2021)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2021.
Publication Year: 2021
Collection: LCC:Genetics
Subject Terms: selection bias, competing risk, Mendelian randomization, shared etiology, instrumental variable analysis, Genetics, QH426-470
More Details: Background: Mendelian randomization (MR) provides unconfounded estimates. MR is open to selection bias when the underlying sample is selected on surviving to recruitment on the genetically instrumented exposure and competing risk of the outcome. Few methods to address this bias exist.Methods: We show that this selection bias can sometimes be addressed by adjusting for common causes of survival and outcome. We use multivariable MR to obtain a corrected MR estimate for statins on stroke. Statins affect survival, and stroke typically occurs later in life than ischemic heart disease (IHD), making estimates for stroke open to bias from competing risk.Results: In univariable MR in the UK Biobank, genetically instrumented statins did not protect against stroke [odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–2.20] but did in multivariable MR (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.98) adjusted for major causes of survival and stroke [blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and smoking initiation] with a multivariable Q-statistic indicating absence of selection bias. However, the MR estimate for statins on stroke using MEGASTROKE remained positive and the Q statistic indicated pleiotropy.Conclusion: MR studies of harmful exposures on late-onset diseases with shared etiology need to be conceptualized within a mechanistic understanding so as to identify any potential bias due to survival to recruitment on both genetically instrumented exposure and competing risk of the outcome, which may then be investigated using multivariable MR or estimated analytically and results interpreted accordingly.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1664-8021
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.610852/full; https://doaj.org/toc/1664-8021
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.610852
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/36010587f6484dc985514f45411a7f2b
Accession Number: edsdoj.36010587f6484dc985514f45411a7f2b
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:16648021
DOI:10.3389/fgene.2020.610852
Published in:Frontiers in Genetics
Language:English