A case-control study of autism and mumps-measles-rubella vaccination using the general practice research database: Design and methodology

Liam Smeeth, Andrew J. Hall, Eric Fombonne, Laura C. Rodrigues, Xiangning Huang, Peter G. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: An association between mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccination and the onset of symptoms typical of autism has recently been suggested. This has led to considerable concern about the safety of the vaccine. Methods: A matched case-control study using data derived form the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database. Children with a possible diagnosis of autism will be identified from their electronic health records. All diagnoses will be validated by a detailed review of hospital letters and by using information derived from a parental questionnaire. Ten controls per case will be selected from the database. Conditional logistic regression will be used to assess the association between MMR vaccination and autism. In addition case series analyses will be undertaken to estimate the relative incidence of onset of autism in defined time intervals after vaccination. The study is funded by the United Kingdom Medical Research Council. Discussion: Electronic health databases offer tremendous opportunities for evaluating the adverse effects of vaccines. However there is much scope for bias and confounding. The rigorous validation of all diagnoses and the collection of additional information by parental questionnaire in this study are essential to minimise the possibility of misleading results.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2
Pages (from-to)1-7
Number of pages7
JournalBMC public health
Volume1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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