Meta-Analysis In Metal; Heterogeneity Test

Question

[Joey]

Hi All,

I am using METAL for meta-analysis of some specific SNPS (6 SNPs of interest) across three studies. From the within study results, I can see that results from two of the studies are in the same direction while the results from the 3rd study is null.

When I use the "analyze heterogeneity" option in METAL, all the 6 SNPs are significant but the HtPVal for all is < 0.05. Does that mean it's not replicating? What are the consequences of this result?

Thanks a ton in advance,

Joey

Answer 1

[Fabio Marroni]

Not an expert in meta-analysis, but lack of homogeneity requires that different models of meta-analysis are carried out. You might give a look to this paper: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0069930