A multivariate family-based association test using generalized estimating equations: FBAT-GEE

Biostatistics. 2003 Apr;4(2):195-206. doi: 10.1093/biostatistics/4.2.195.

Abstract

In this paper we propose a multivariate extension of family-based association tests based on generalized estimating equations. The test can be applied to multiple phenotypes and to phenotypic data obtained in longitudinal studies without making any distributional assumptions for the phenotypic observations. Methods for handling missing phenotypic information are discussed. Further, we compare the power of the multivariate test with permutation tests and with using separate tests for each outcome which are adjusted for multiple testing. Application of the proposed test to an asthma study illustrates the power of the approach.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Asthma / genetics
  • Child
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Multivariate Analysis*
  • Nuclear Family*
  • Phenotype
  • Quantitative Trait Loci / genetics
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable

Substances

  • Genetic Markers