Familial tendency to foetal loss analysed with Bayesian graphical models by Gibbs sampling.
This paper presents several models for investigating whether the HLA allogenotypes DR1/Br, DR3 and DR10 are genetic markers for a predisposition of experiencing unexplained recurrent foetal losses. A total of 199 women from 113 families answered questionnaires concerning their pregnancies and 145 of these women were HLA typed. The analysis of the data is complicated as dependencies between pregnancy outcomes are expected. The main purpose of the paper is to illustrate how such analyses can be performed using Bayesian graphical models and Gibbs sampling. The analyses are made using the programs BUGS and CODA. Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses within a Bayesian framework have become easier with the introduction of these programs. However, experience shows that some caution is required so we recommend making some initial analyses using very simple models and perhaps approximative methods, followed by a model development introducing increasing complexity.
Hundborg
H H
HH
Department of Biostatistics, University of Aarhus, Vennelyst Boulevard 6, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark. heidi@biostat.au.dk
Hojbjerre
M
M
Bjarne Christiansen
O
O
Lauritzen
S L
SL
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008390:Markov Chains; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D016008:Statistical Distributions; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D005819:Genetic Markers; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens