Calculating statistical power in Mendelian randomization studies

In Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, where genetic variants are used as proxy measures for an exposure trait of interest, obtaining adequate statistical power is frequently a concern due to the small amount of variation in a phenotypic trait that is typically explained by genetic variants. A range of power estimates based on simulations and specific parameters for two-stage least squares (2SLS) MR analyses based on continuous variables has previously been published. However there are presently no specific equations or software tools one can implement for calculating power of a given MR study. Using asymptotic theory, we show that in the case of continuous variables and a single instrument, for example a…

• WT
  Wellcome Trust
• FL
  Fondation Leducq
• SF
  Seventh Framework Programme
• MR
  Medical Research Council
• NH
  National Health and Medical Research Council

  Award: 613601