Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology using mendelian randomisation (STROBE-MR): explanation and elaboration

TLDR

Mendelian randomisation studies can elucidate causal effects of modifiable exposures on health outcomes, yet inadequate reporting hampers their evidence, which reporting guidelines aim to address. The article introduces STROBE‑MR to improve the clarity and transparency of MR research reporting. It presents a 20‑item checklist, explaining each item’s meaning and rationale with a glossary of terms. Adopting STROBE‑MR and reviewing its itemized examples should help readers, reviewers, and editors assess the quality of published MR studies.

Abstract

Mendelian randomisation (MR) studies allow a better understanding of the causal effects of modifiable exposures on health outcomes, but the published evidence is often hampered by inadequate reporting. Reporting guidelines help authors effectively communicate all critical information about what was done and what was found. STROBE-MR (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology using mendelian randomisation) assists authors in reporting their MR research clearly and transparently. Adopting STROBE-MR should help readers, reviewers, and journal editors evaluate the quality of published MR studies. This article explains the 20 items of the STROBE-MR checklist, along with their meaning and rationale, using terms defined in a glossary. Examples of transparent reporting are used for each item to illustrate best practices.