The swiss transplant cohort study: lessons from the first 6 years.
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.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Christoph
C
Berger
Pierre-Yves
PY
Bochud
Katja
K
Boggian
Alexia
A
Cusini
Adrian
A
Egli
Christian
C
Garzoni
Hans H
HH
Hirsch
Matthias
M
Hoffmann
Nina
N
Khanna
Oriol
O
Manuel
Pascal
P
Meylan
David
D
Nadal
Christian
C
van Delden
Maja
M
Weisser
Nicolas J
NJ
Mueller