Most pediatric transplant centers are low volume, adult-focused, and in proximity to higher volume pediatric centers
jpedsurg.org shows its articles on its own site.
Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Nov 2019 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Retrospective analysis of 467 U.S. pediatric solid organ transplant centers reveals that most low-volume programs are adult-focused and located within 150 miles of higher-volume pediatric centers. With 30.7% of children listed at low-volume centers despite proximity to higher-volume alternatives, the study calls for increased scrutiny of waitlist outcomes at these facilities.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Independent studies provide evidence that low volume pediatric solid organ transplant centers have inferior outcomes compared to high volume pediatric centers. The study assessed whether patients treated at low volume pediatric centers have access to higher volume pediatric centers, which offer potentially better outcomes.
Methods
We analyzed center specific data on 467 pediatric solid organ transplant centers in the U.S using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database from 2002 to 2014. The proximities of low volume pediatric centers to high volume pediatric centers were determined using Maptive, a tool based on Google Maps.
Results
Most low volume pediatric transplant centers focused on transplantation of adults (84% heart, 83% liver, and 93% kidney programs). A majority of low volume pediatric centers (77% for heart, 53% for lung, 68% for liver and 90% for kidney) were within 150 miles of high volume centers. Among all children listed for transplantation, 30.7% were listed in low volume pediatric centers. Most low volume pediatric centers are adult focused and near high volume pediatric centers.
Conclusion
We need greater scrutiny of outcomes, particularly waitlist outcomes, of low volume pediatric solid organ transplant centers located close to high volume pediatric solid organ transplant centers.
Type of Study and Level of Evidence
Retrospective Comparative Study, Level III.