Neurology · 1 h ago
MS study finds gaps in confounders used in treatment-effect research
A systematic assessment combining literature review, clinician interviews and a survey examined potential confounders in target trial emulations comparing drugs for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Researchers identified 160 factors, including 35 raised in interviews but not found in the literature, and found that many factors considered important in treatment decisions were not routinely included in observational studies.
- The assessment identified 160 potential confounders.
- Interviews added 35 factors not identified in the literature.
- Only 16 observational studies included all five most frequent factors.
- Identifying the factors required an estimated 62 person-days.
Researchers assessed how potential confounders are identified when designing target trial emulations of drug comparisons in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The assessment combined a review of observational studies and randomized trials, qualitative interviews with clinical experts, and a survey of clinicians. The literature search ran through November 2, 2023; the team reviewed 53 observational studies and 27 randomized trials, interviewed eight experts, and surveyed eight clinicians. They also estimated the resources needed for each step.
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BMC Medicine: Identification of known potential confounders to design target trial emulation studies: a systematic assessment ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.