One-Sample Mendelian Randomization and Instrumental Variable Analyses in R and Stata: The OneSampleMR and ivonesamplemr Packages

Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to estimate the causal effect of an exposure on an outcome. When individual-level data on the instruments, exposure, and outcome are available in a single sample (one-sample MR), a range of IV estimators can be used beyond the standard two-stage least squares estimator, including structural mean models (SMMs) and two-stage predictor substitu- tion (TSPS) and two-stage residual inclusion (TSRI) estimators with nonlinear second stage models. These estimators are important when the outcome is binary, where in- vestigators typically wish to report causal risk ratios or causal odds ratios. However, implementations of these estimators are scattered across software packages and are of- ten unavailable with standard errors that account for the estimation of the first stage. We describe two packages which implement these estimators: OneSampleMR for R and ivonesamplemr for Stata. Both packages fit the multiplicative and logistic SMMs and TSPS and TSRI estimators with identity, log-additive, log-multiplicative, and logit links using the generalized method of moments (GMM), so that the standard errors account for the uncertainty in both stages of estimation. OneSampleMR additionally provides the Sanderson-Windmeijer conditional F-statistic for assessing instrument strength in models with multiple exposures, and ivonesamplemr additionally provides prefix commands for moving window and within-quantile estimation for exploring nonlinear exposure-outcome relationships. We illustrate both packages using the same simulated dataset and show that they give the same estimates as each other and as existing implementations.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2026-11-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2611.02887
Primary Topic
Advanced Causal Inference Techniques
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

One-Sample Mendelian Randomization and Instrumental Variable Analyses in R and Stata: The OneSampleMR and ivonesamplemr Packages

Nicolai Vitt, Tom Palmer, Eleanor Sanderson
arXiv (Cornell University)
Advanced Causal Inference Techniques
preprint

One-Sample Mendelian Randomization and Instrumental Variable Analyses in R and Stata: The OneSampleMR and ivonesamplemr Packages

Nicolai Vitt, Tom Palmer, Eleanor Sanderson
preprint en

Abstract

Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to estimate the causal effect of an exposure on an outcome. When individual-level data on the instruments, exposure, and outcome are available in a single sample (one-sample MR), a range of IV estimators can be used beyond the standard two-stage least squares estimator, including structural mean models (SMMs) and two-stage predictor substitu- tion (TSPS) and two-stage residual inclusion (TSRI) estimators with nonlinear second stage models. These estimators are important when the outcome is binary, where in- vestigators typically wish to report causal risk ratios or causal odds ratios. However, implementations of these estimators are scattered across software packages and are of- ten unavailable with standard errors that account for the estimation of the first stage. We describe two packages which implement these estimators: OneSampleMR for R and ivonesamplemr for Stata. Both packages fit the multiplicative and logistic SMMs and TSPS and TSRI estimators with identity, log-additive, log-multiplicative, and logit links using the generalized method of moments (GMM), so that the standard errors account for the uncertainty in both stages of estimation. OneSampleMR additionally provides the Sanderson-Windmeijer conditional F-statistic for assessing instrument strength in models with multiple exposures, and ivonesamplemr additionally provides prefix commands for moving window and within-quantile estimation for exploring nonlinear exposure-outcome relationships. We illustrate both packages using the same simulated dataset and show that they give the same estimates as each other and as existing implementations.

arXiv (Cornell University)
Advanced Causal Inference Techniques
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon