Incorrect statistical analysis--giant cell arteritis in Asians: a comparative study.

摘要

In the recently published study by Pereira et al, the authors describe selecting individuals with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) and 'new' patients seen in the ophthalmology department at the University of California-San Francisco, who did not have GCA. Four non-GCA patients were matched to each GCA patient, with respect to specific demographic characteristics. Although not explicitly stated, the authors have employed a matched case-control study design, which is appropriate. The authors do, however, describe using Fisher's exact test and logistic regression for their statistical analysis, both of which are inappropriate. This is attributed to the fact that neither accounts for the matched nature of the study design. The authors are strongly urged to conduct a reanalysis of their study data and provide readers with the appropriate measures of association and p values, amending their interpretations as warranted.