Backround: Political and sociocultural differences between countries can affect the outcome of clinical and epidemiological studies in ALS. Cross-national studies represent the ideal process by which risk factors can be assessed using the same methodology in different geographical areas. Methods: A survey of three European countries (The Netherlands, Ireland and Italy) has been conducted in which incident ALS patients and matched controls were recruited in a population-based study based on age, gender and area of residency, under the Euro-MOTOR systems biology programme of research. Findings: We have identified strengths and limitations during the trajectory of the Euro-MOTOR study, from the research design to data analysis. We have analysed the implications of factors including cross-national differences in healthcare systems, sample size, types of matching, the definition of exposures and statistical analysis. Conclusions: Addressing critical methodological aspects of the design of the Euro-MOTOR project minimises bias and will facilitate scientific assessment of the independent role of well-defined exposures.

Critical issues in ALS case-control studies: the case of the Euro-MOTOR study

D'OVIDIO, FABRIZIO;CHIO', Adriano;
2017-01-01

Abstract

Backround: Political and sociocultural differences between countries can affect the outcome of clinical and epidemiological studies in ALS. Cross-national studies represent the ideal process by which risk factors can be assessed using the same methodology in different geographical areas. Methods: A survey of three European countries (The Netherlands, Ireland and Italy) has been conducted in which incident ALS patients and matched controls were recruited in a population-based study based on age, gender and area of residency, under the Euro-MOTOR systems biology programme of research. Findings: We have identified strengths and limitations during the trajectory of the Euro-MOTOR study, from the research design to data analysis. We have analysed the implications of factors including cross-national differences in healthcare systems, sample size, types of matching, the definition of exposures and statistical analysis. Conclusions: Addressing critical methodological aspects of the design of the Euro-MOTOR project minimises bias and will facilitate scientific assessment of the independent role of well-defined exposures.
2017
18
5-6
411
418
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21678421.2017.1285939
Epidemiology, case-control study, risk, criticisms, genetics
D'Ovidio, Fabrizio; Rooney, James PK; Visser, Anne E; Vermeulen, Roel CH; Veldink, Jan H; van den Berg, Leonard H; Hardiman, Orla; Logroscino, Giancarlo; Chiò, Adriano; Beghi, Ettore.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1642962
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