We used a 2-step analytic approach. First, study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for an exposure–outcome relationship were estimated from multivariable logistic regression models. Second, the study-specific ORs were combined using fixed-effects

and random-effects meta-analytic models to generate summary ORs; both approaches gave similar estimates of association, so we present the random-effects models only, as such models are usually more conservative.38 A study was excluded from the second-step of a specific variable’s analysis if the logistic regression model failed because of instability. The I2 value and its 95% uncertainty interval were used to estimate the percentage of total variation across studies due to heterogeneity. 39 An I2 statistic of 0% indicates no observed heterogeneity that cannot be attributed to chance, and larger values indicate increasing heterogeneity. selleckchem Exposure variables were assessed in relation to the outcomes of Barrett’s esophagus using the following comparison groups: GERD controls and population-based controls. Continuous variables were categorized to allow for nonlinear effects, for ease of interpretation, and to reduce the effect of any outliers; exceptions click here to this were the use of continuous variables for trends, product-terms, and spline models. Minimally adjusted

models included the covariate’s age (<50, 50–59, 60–69, ≥70 years) and sex. Fully adjusted models also included BMI (<18.5, 18.5–24, 25–29, PI-1840 30–34, 35–39, ≥40) and education (categorical: school only, tech/diploma, university; unavailable and so unadjusted for in University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill study). These models were also stratified by sex, BMI, and heartburn or regurgitation (population-based control comparisons only) to assess relationships (ORs) for effect–measure modification, with P values estimated via random

effects meta-analysis of study-specific estimated effects of product-terms (eg, ever-smoke × sex). Heartburn was generally described to the patient as having ever experienced burning pain or discomfort behind the breast bone, and regurgitation was generally described as food or stomach fluid coming back up into the mouth accompanied with a sour-taste; Kaiser Permanente Northern California excluded symptoms within 1 year before diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus, and FINBAR excluded symptoms within 5 years. In addition, FINBAR required symptoms to be frequent (>50 times per year/about once a week). Models of the additional exposures (cigarette smoking duration, intensity, initiation, and cessation) were also adjusted for total exposure (pack-years of cigarette smoking); because these variables contribute to total exposure, association testing without adjustment for total exposure could be misleading.