Multiple sclerosis risk among anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha users: A methodological review of observational studies based on real-world data

This article demonstrates how cDAGs can be used to determine whether there is a confounder, a mediator or collider-stratification bias and when to adjust for them appropriately. We also use a case study to show how to control for potential biases by drawing a cDAG depicting anti-TNFαalpha; use and its potential to contribute to MS onset. Finally, we describe potential biases that might have led to contradictory results in previous studies that examined the effect of anti-TNFαalpha; and MS, including confounding, confounding by contraindication, and bias due to measurement error. Clinicians and researchers should be cognizant of confounding, confounding by contraindication, and bias due to measurement error when reviewing future studies on the risk of MS or demyelinating events associated with anti-TNFαalpha;use. cDAGs are a useful tool for selecting variables and identifying the structure of different biases that can affect the validity of observational studies.PMID:37496244 | DOI:10.2174/1574886318666230726162245
Source: Current Drug Safety - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research