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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-08-2009 | Original Article

Interpreting epidemiological evidence in the presence of multiple endpoints: an alternative analytic approach using the 9-year follow-up of the Seychelles child development study

Authors: Edwin van Wijngaarden, Gary J. Myers, Sally W. Thurston, Conrad F. Shamlaye, Philip W. Davidson

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 8/2009

Abstract

Purpose

The potential for ill-informed causal inference is a major concern in published longitudinal studies evaluating impaired neurological function in children prenatally exposed to background levels of methyl mercury (MeHg). These studies evaluate a large number of developmental tests. We propose an alternative analysis strategy that reduces the number of comparisons tested in these studies.

Methods

Using data from the 9-year follow-up of 643 children in the Seychelles child development study, we grouped 18 individual endpoints into one overall ordinal outcome variable as well as by developmental domains. Subsequently, ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

We did not find an association between prenatal MeHg exposure and developmental outcomes at 9 years of age.

Conclusion

Our proposed framework is more likely to result in a balanced interpretation of a posteriori associations. In addition, this new strategy should facilitate the use of complex epidemiological data in quantitative risk assessment.

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Title: Interpreting epidemiological evidence in the presence of multiple endpoints: an alternative analytic approach using the 9-year follow-up of the Seychelles child development study
Authors: Edwin van Wijngaarden
Gary J. Myers
Sally W. Thurston
Conrad F. Shamlaye
Philip W. Davidson
Publication date: 01-08-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 8/2009
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0402-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Interpreting epidemiological evidence in the presence of multiple endpoints: an alternative analytic approach using the 9-year follow-up of the Seychelles child development study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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