Minor differences in haplotype frequency estimates can produce very large differences in heterogeneity test statistics
2007

Impact of Haplotype Frequency Estimates on Likelihood Ratio Statistics

Sample size: 839 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Curtis David, Xu Ke

Primary Institution: Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London

Hypothesis

Minor differences in haplotype frequency estimates can lead to significant variations in likelihood ratio statistics.

Conclusion

Small differences in haplotype frequency estimates can result in very large differences in likelihood ratio statistics and associated p-values.

Supporting Evidence

  • MLOCUS produced a p value of 1.8*10-15.
  • GENECOUNTING produced a p value of 5.4*10-4.
  • Permutation testing produced a p value of 2.8*10-4.
  • The study involved 503 subjects with heroin dependence and 336 controls.

Takeaway

If we guess the frequency of certain gene variations just a little bit wrong, it can make a big difference in the results we get when testing for diseases.

Methodology

Haplotype frequencies were estimated using MLOCUS and GENECOUNTING in subjects with heroin dependence and controls, with permutation testing for significance.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on estimated rather than observed haplotype frequencies.

Limitations

The study highlights issues with estimating haplotype frequencies that may not reflect true values.

Participant Demographics

503 subjects with heroin dependence and 336 controls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

1.8*10-15, 5.4*10-4, 2.8*10-4

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2156-8-38

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