The core data structure of the STCS is the patient-case system, a framework that reflects the post-transplant patient process involving a multitude of information on patients and allografts, including function and interventions from transplantation until end of follow-up (Fig. 1 ).![]()
1 ).
Patient-data captures information which is of systemic nature and that relates to the patient, but not to the transplant itself. In contrast case-data captures information restricted to the allograft(s). The first case is the transplant event that leads to enrolment in our study. Later cases are termed re-transplants or second transplants. A re-transplant is a repetition of the same SOT after failure of the previous transplant; e.g. a kidney re-transplanted after loss of function of the previous kidney allograft. A second transplant refers to a subsequent transplantation of a different type of allograft; e.g. a pancreas transplantation following a successfully implanted kidney allograft. Each instance can either be a single or a double transplantation. Double transplantation refers to concomitant transplantation of two organs originating from the same donor.
Thus three classification layers can be distinguished: (1) the patient; (2) the SOT (classified into single or double/complex SOT and into first, second- or re-transplantation); (3) the implanted organ. E.g. both allografts of a kidney-pancreas double transplantation are treated as separate instances. Patients are usually classified by their first STCS (enrolment) transplantation.
Our patient-case system assigns unique patient and case identification numbers. Linkage of patient and case data allows reconstructing the transplantation process (Figs.1 and 2 ) with longitudinal updating of both patient and case information, as well as capture of intermediate events. Donor-recipient linkage is ensured via the unique Swiss organ allocation number (SOAS-ID), which is generated within the national Swiss Organ Allocation System (SOAS) and is transferred to the STCS. Donor data specification is detailed in the Appendix (in ESM).![]()
Organization of the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study patient-case system based on a hypothetical complex transplantation scenario
Patient-data captures information which is of systemic nature and that relates to the patient, but not to the transplant itself. In contrast case-data captures information restricted to the allograft(s). The first case is the transplant event that leads to enrolment in our study. Later cases are termed re-transplants or second transplants. A re-transplant is a repetition of the same SOT after failure of the previous transplant; e.g. a kidney re-transplanted after loss of function of the previous kidney allograft. A second transplant refers to a subsequent transplantation of a different type of allograft; e.g. a pancreas transplantation following a successfully implanted kidney allograft. Each instance can either be a single or a double transplantation. Double transplantation refers to concomitant transplantation of two organs originating from the same donor.
Thus three classification layers can be distinguished: (1) the patient; (2) the SOT (classified into single or double/complex SOT and into first, second- or re-transplantation); (3) the implanted organ. E.g. both allografts of a kidney-pancreas double transplantation are treated as separate instances. Patients are usually classified by their first STCS (enrolment) transplantation.
Our patient-case system assigns unique patient and case identification numbers. Linkage of patient and case data allows reconstructing the transplantation process (Figs.
Overall patient survival by first transplantation in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (1.5.2008 until 30.09.2011)
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