Family-based versus unrelated case-control designs for genetic associations
2006
Comparing Family-Based and Unrelated Case-Control Designs in Genetic Studies
Sample size: 93
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Evangelou Evangelos, Trikalinos Thomas A, Salanti Georgia, Ioannidis John P. A
Hypothesis
Do family-based and unrelated case-control designs yield similar estimates of genetic associations?
Conclusion
Both family-based and unrelated case-control designs provide similar estimates of genetic associations.
Supporting Evidence
- The summary relative odds ratio was close to unity at 0.96.
- Only 4% of the comparisons showed significant differences between the two designs.
- There was no heterogeneity in the relative odds ratio across studies.
- Nominally significant results differed between designs in 14% and 17% of cases.
Takeaway
This study looked at two ways to find links between genes and diseases. It found that both methods usually give similar results.
Methodology
A meta-analysis of 93 studies comparing family-based and unrelated case-control designs was conducted.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias may affect the observed concordance between the two designs.
Limitations
The study cannot rule out rare large biases or common small biases.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.91–1.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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