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Almaghlouth I, Pullenayegum E, Gladman DD, Urowitz MB, Johnson SR. Propensity Score Methods in Rare Disease: A Demonstration Using Observational Data in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Rheumatol 2020; 48:321-325. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.200254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Observational studies allow researchers to understand the natural history of rheumatic conditions, risk factors for disease development, and factors affecting important disease-related outcomes, and to estimate treatment effect from real-world data. However, this design carries a risk of confounding bias. A propensity score (PS) is a balancing score that aims to minimize the difference between study groups and consequently potential confounding effects. The score can be applied in 1 of 4 methods in observational research: matching, stratification, adjustment, and inverse probability weighting. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare disease characterized by a relatively small sample size and/or low event rates. In this article, we review the PS methods. We demonstrate application of the PS methods to achieve study group balance in a rare disease using an example of risk of infection in SLE patients with hypogammaglobulinemia.
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Johnson SR, Tomlinson GA, Granton JT, Hawker GA, Feldman BM. Applied Bayesian Methods in the Rheumatic Diseases. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2018; 44:361-370. [PMID: 29622302 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The use of applied Bayesian methods is increasing in rheumatology. Using the Bayes theorem, past evidence is updated with new data. Preexisting data are expressed as a prior probability distribution or prior. New observations are expressed as a likelihood. Through explicit incorporation of preexisting data and new data, this process informs how this new information should change the way we think. In this article, the authors highlight the use of applied Bayesian methods in the study of rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu R Johnson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
| | - George A Tomlinson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Support Systems and Outcomes, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Mount Sinai Hospital, Eaton North, 13th Floor, Room 238, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - John T Granton
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, MUNK Building, 11-1170, 200 Elizabeth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, MUNK Building, 11-1170, 200 Elizabeth Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Gillian A Hawker
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, 8th Floor East, Room 815, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Brian M Feldman
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
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