Methodological guidance on implementing propensity score matching in observational studies of kidney transplantation.

ABSTRACT: Observational studies in kidney transplantation often face confounding bias due to the absence of randomization, which can compromise validity and limit generalizability. Propensity score matching (PSM) helps mitigate this bias by mimicking random assignment. This guide outlines the implementation of PSM in kidney transplant research, focusing on methodology, practical considerations, common pitfalls, and reporting standards. We summarize key steps, including selecting covariates related to both treatment and the probability of receiving a transplant, estimating propensity scores, applying appropriate matching techniques, assessing balance, and conducting sensitivity analyses to test robustness. Practical considerations include ensuring sufficient overlap in propensity scores and balancing

SUBMITTER: Gomez-Montero A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12804877 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature