DAGs for dummies: how to extract causation from correlation.

IF 9.1 1区医学 Q1 ANESTHESIOLOGY

British journal of anaesthesia Pub Date : 2025-07-23 DOI:10.1016/j.bja.2025.07.001

Amy Gaskell,Jamie Sleigh

引用次数: 0

Abstract

Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) offer a clear, structured approach to depicting causal relationships in observational research, helping to distinguish likely causation from mere association. By explicitly mapping assumptions about confounders, mediators, and colliders, DAGs guide appropriate variable selection for adjustment and help avoid common sources of bias and confounding. This transparent framework supports more rigorous causal inference and serves as a compelling complement or alternative to large randomised controlled trials. Here we introduce some foundational principles of DAGs in support of recent DAG-guided work published around the SNAP-3 project.

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假人的dag：如何从相关中提取因果关系。

有向无环图（dag）提供了一种清晰、结构化的方法来描述观察研究中的因果关系，有助于区分可能的因果关系和单纯的关联。通过明确地映射关于混杂因素、中介因素和碰撞因素的假设，dag指导适当的变量选择进行调整，并有助于避免常见的偏差和混杂来源。这种透明的框架支持更严格的因果推理，并作为大型随机对照试验的令人信服的补充或替代。在这里，我们介绍dag的一些基本原则，以支持最近围绕SNAP-3项目发布的dag指导工作。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

British journal of anaesthesia 医学-麻醉学

CiteScore

13.50

自引率

7.10%

发文量

488

审稿时长

27 days

期刊介绍： The British Journal of Anaesthesia (BJA) is a prestigious publication that covers a wide range of topics in anaesthesia, critical care medicine, pain medicine, and perioperative medicine. It aims to disseminate high-impact original research, spanning fundamental, translational, and clinical sciences, as well as clinical practice, technology, education, and training. Additionally, the journal features review articles, notable case reports, correspondence, and special articles that appeal to a broader audience. The BJA is proudly associated with The Royal College of Anaesthetists, The College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, and The Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists. This partnership provides members of these esteemed institutions with access to not only the BJA but also its sister publication, BJA Education. It is essential to note that both journals maintain their editorial independence. Overall, the BJA offers a diverse and comprehensive platform for anaesthetists, critical care physicians, pain specialists, and perioperative medicine practitioners to contribute and stay updated with the latest advancements in their respective fields.