Response to: Low incidence of neurological recurrence after two-dose COVID-19 vaccination

We read with great interest a 4-month observational study by Kohet al.1 that investigated the recurrent frequency of neurological side effects after reimmunization with COVID-19. The authors found a low incidence of neurological recurrence after COVID-19 reimmunization. However, we are concerned that some confounders of the results of interest between groups will not be adequately addressed, which could make the research results unreliable. Tables 1 and 2 show that some variables were not balanced at baseline (demographic data and pre-existing comorbidities), especially the age between the reimmunization and non-reimmunization groups of Table 1 and ethnicity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia between the timely and delayed reimmunization groups of Table 2.1 Although other baseline factors did not achieve statistical differences, these unbalanced factors may have a potential confounding effect on outcomes. We suggest that the authors can use the propensity score methods to adjust for any potential confounding factors between two groups (the groups of reimmunization versus non-reimmunization in Table 1 and the groups of timely vs. delayed reimmunization in Table 2).1 The propensity score method is considered an effective and straightforward means of adjusting or controlling for potential confounding by balancing important baseline covariates between groups, which can make the results of the study more robust.2 –4 Finally, we appreciate the work of Kohet al.1 and look forward to...
Source: QJM - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research