Estimating the causal effects of modifiable, non-genetic factors on Huntington disease progression using propensity score weighting.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Despite being genetically inherited, it is unclear how non-genetic factors (e.g., substance use, employment) might contribute to the progression and severity of Huntington's disease (HD).

Methods

We used propensity score (PS) weighting in a large (n = 2914) longitudinal dataset (Enroll-HD) to examine the impact of education, employment status, and use of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational and therapeutic drugs on HD progression. Each factor was investigated in isolation while controlling for 19 other factors to ensure that groups were balanced at baseline on potential confounders using PS weights. Outcomes were compared several years later using doubly robust models.

Results

Our results highlighted cases where modifiable (non-genetic) factors - namely lig

SUBMITTER: Griffin BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7949328 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature