Publication

The swiss transplant cohort study: lessons from the first 6 years

Journal Paper/Review - Jun 1, 2015

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Christoph B, Mueller N, Maja W, Van Delden C, Nadal D, Meylan P, Manuel O, Khanna N, Hoffmann M, Hirsch H, Garzoni C, Egli A, Cusini A, Boggian K, Bochud P, Transplant Infectious Diseases Working Group, Swiss Transplant Cohort Study. The swiss transplant cohort study: lessons from the first 6 years. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2015; 17:486.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Curr Infect Dis Rep 2015; 17
Publication Date
Jun 1, 2015
Issn Print
1523-3847
Pages
486
Brief description/objective

Prospective cohort studies significantly contribute to answering specific research questions in a defined population. Since 2008, the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS) systematically enrolled >95 % of all transplant recipients in Switzerland, collecting predefined data at determined time points. Designed as an open cohort, the STCS has included >3900 patients to date, with a median follow-up of 2.96 years (IQR 1.44-4.73). This review highlights some relevant findings in the field of transplant-associated infections gained by the STCS so far. Three key general aspects have crystallized: (i) Well-run cohort studies are a powerful tool to conduct genetic studies, which are crucially dependent on a meticulously described phenotype. (ii) Long-term real-life observations are adding a distinct layer of information that cannot be obtained during randomized studies. (iii) The systemic collection of data, close interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous analysis of some key outcome data such as infectious diseases endpoints can improve patient care.