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To the Editor: We have some concerns about the study by Dr Stukel and colleagues¹ comparing propensity score and instrumental variable methods for removing the effects of selection bias in observational studies. The authors concluded that all standard risk-adjustment methods have the same limitations regarding removal of unmeasured treatment selection bias, and that compared with standard modeling, instrumental variable analysis may produce less biased estimates of treatment effect. The accompanying Editorial² questioned why the instrumental variable "regional catheterization rate" was not included in the list of variables defining the propensity score, and the effect of its potential inclusion. We would like to add that not including an instrumental variable in the propensity score analysis also violates the main assumption of the propensity score method (ie, that all information on the factors that can affect the choice of the treatment is included). This study only shows that adding an additional important . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Ilya Novikov, PhD
ilian@gertner.health.gov.il

Ofra Kalter-Leibovici, MD
Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research
Ramat Gan, Israel

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