ABSTRACT

Presents the Terminology and Methods of Mendelian Randomization for Epidemiological StudiesMendelian randomization uses genetic instrumental variables to make inferences about causal effects based on observational data. It, therefore, can be a reliable way of assessing the causal nature of risk factors, such as biomarkers, for a wide range of disea

part |2 pages

I Using genetic variants as instrumental variables to assess causal relationships

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction and motivation

chapter 2|12 pages

What is Mendelian randomization?

chapter 3|20 pages

Assumptions for causal inference

chapter 4|30 pages

Methods for instrumental variable analysis

part |2 pages

II Statistical issues in instrumental variable analysis and Mendelian randomization

chapter 7|24 pages

Weak instruments and finite-sample bias

chapter 8|16 pages

Multiple instruments and power

chapter 9|18 pages

Multiple studies and evidence synthesis

chapter 10|16 pages

Example: The CRP CHD Genetics Collaboration

part |2 pages

III Prospects for Mendelian randomization

chapter 11|10 pages

Future directions