"Ahlbom" pooled analysis results

From “A pooled analysis of magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia”, Ahlbom et al, British Journal of Cancer (2000) vol 83 pp 692-698

Based on Table 3 from the published paper.

Total leukaemia. Relative risks (95% confidence interval in parentheses) by exposure level with adjustment for age, sex and socioeconomic status (measurement studies) and East/West in Germany. Reference level: <0.1 µT. Observed and expected case numbers ≥ 0.4 µT, with expected numbers given by modelling probability of membership of each exposure category based on distribution of controls including covariates.

Type of study
0.1-<0.2 µT
0.2-<0.4 µT
≥ 0.4 µT
≥ 0.4 µT
Observed
Expected
Measurement studies

Canada

1.29 (0.84-1.99)

1.39 (0.78-2.48)

1.55 (0.65-3.68)

13

10.3

Germany
1.24 (0.58-2.62)
1.67 (0.48-5.83)
2.00 (0.26-15.17)
2
0.9
New Zealand
0.67 (0.20-2.20)
4 cases/0 ctrls
0 cases/0 ctrls
0
0
UK
0.84 (0.57-1.24)
0.98 (0.50-1.93)
1.00 (0.30-3.37)
4
4.4
USA
1.11 (0.81-1.53)
1.01 (0.65-1.57)
3.44 (1.24-9.54)
17
4.7
Calculated field studies

Denmark

2.68 (0.24-30.45)

0 cases/8 ctrls

2 cases/0 ctrls

2

0

Finland
0 cases/19 ctrls
4.11 (0.48-35.1)
6.21 (0.68-56.9)
1
0.2
Norway
1.75 (0.65-4.72)
1.06 (0.21-5.22)
0 cases/10 ctrls
0
2.7
Sweden
1.75 (0.48-6.37)
0.57 (0.07-4.65)
3.74 (1.23-11.37)
5
1.5
Summary

Measurements studies

1.05 (0.86-1.28)

1.15 (0.85-1.54)

1.87 (1.10-3.18)

36

20.1

Calculated field studies
1.58 (0.77-3.25)
0.79 (0.27-2.28)
2.13 (0.93-4.88)
8
4.4
All studies
1.08 (0.89-1.31)
1.11 (0.84-1.47)
2.00 (1.27-3.13)
44
24.2

The results for “all studies” are shown in this graph:

results of Ahlbom pooled analysis

These results can be presented in different ways which lend themselves to different interpretations.

Return to the discussion of this analysis and other studies of childhood leukaemia

see also a pooled analysis of night-time exposure