Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Reading Mendelian randomisation studies: a guide, glossary, and checklist for clinicians

Neil M Davies, Michael V. Holmes, George Davey Smith

BMJ · 2018

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Summary

This is a methodological guide and checklist designed to help clinicians understand and critically appraise Mendelian randomisation studies. The authors explain the principles underlying this genetic epidemiological approach, which leverages natural genetic variation to strengthen causal inference about modifiable risk factors and disease risk. The paper functions as an interpretive aid rather than a primary research study, offering structured criteria for assessing study quality and applicability.

Regional applicability

This methodological guidance is directly applicable to UK clinical practice and research, as it provides a framework for evaluating the growing body of Mendelian randomisation evidence informing public health and clinical decision-making in the National Health Service and academic institutions.

Key measures

Methodological framework for appraisal of Mendelian randomisation study design, interpretation, and validity

Outcomes reported

The paper provides guidance on interpreting Mendelian randomisation studies, which use genetic variants as natural experiments to infer causal relationships between modifiable risk factors and disease outcomes.

Theme
Measurement & metrics
Subject
Measurement methods & nutrient profiling
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.1136/bmj.k601
Catalogue ID
BFmoef2ocf-gugob1

Topic tags

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