Usefulness of Mendelian Randomization in Observational Epidemiology

Murielle Bochud and Valentin Rousson
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Murielle Bochud: University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Rue du Bugnon 17, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
Valentin Rousson: University Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Rue du Bugnon 17, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

IJERPH, 2010, vol. 7, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: Mendelian randomization refers to the random allocation of alleles at the time of gamete formation. In observational epidemiology, this refers to the use of genetic variants to estimate a causal effect between a modifiable risk factor and an outcome of interest. In this review, we recall the principles of a “Mendelian randomization” approach in observational epidemiology, which is based on the technique of instrumental variables; we provide simulations and an example based on real data to demonstrate its implications; we present the results of a systematic search on original articles having used this approach; and we discuss some limitations of this approach in view of what has been found so far.

Keywords: genetic epidemiology; causality; observational studies; instrumental variables (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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