Pediatric Liver Transplant Center Volume and the Likelihood of Transplantation.

Low case volume has been associated with poorer surgical outcomes in a multitude of surgical procedures. We studied the association among low case volume, outcomes, and the likelihood of pediatric liver transplantation. We studied a cohort of 6628 candidates listed in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for primary pediatric liver transplantation between 2002 and 2012; 4532 of the candidates went on to transplantation. Candidates were divided into groups according to the average volume of yearly transplants performed in the listing center over 10 years: >15, 10 to 15, 5 to 9, and <5. We used univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses with bootstrapping on transplant recipient data and identified independent recipient and donor risk factors for wait-list and posttransplant mortality. 38.5% of the candidates were listed in low-volume centers, those in which <5 transplants were performed annually. These candidates had severely reduced likelihood of transplantation with only 41% receiving a transplant. For the remaining candidates, listed at higher volume centers, the transplant rate was 85% (P < .001). Being listed at a low-volume center was a significant risk factor in multivariate Cox regression analysis for both wait-list mortality (hazard ratio, 3.27; confidence interval, 2.53-4.23) and posttransplant mortality (hazard ratio, 2.21; confidence interval, 1.43-3.40). 38.5% of pediatric transplant candidates are listed in low-volume transplant centers and have lower likelihood of transplantation and poorer outcomes. If further studies substantiated these findings, we would advocate consolidating pediatric liver transplantation in higher volume centers.

Rana A ，Pallister Z ，Halazun K ，Cotton R ，Guiteau J ，Nalty CC ，O'Mahony CA ，Goss JA ... -  《-》

Poor outcomes for children on the wait list at low-volume kidney transplant centers in the United States.

Rana A ，Brewer ED ，Scully BB ，Kueht ML ，Goss M ，Halazun KJ ，Liu H ，Galvan NT ，Cotton RT ，O'Mahony CA ... -  《-》

Waiting list outcomes in pediatric lung transplantation: Poor results for children listed in adult transplant programs.

Low case volume has been associated with lower survival after pediatric lung transplantation. Our aim was to analyze waitlist outcomes among pediatric lung transplant centers in the USA. We studied a cohort of 1,139 pediatric candidates listed in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for lung transplantation between 2002 and 2014. Of these candidates, 720 (63.2%) received a transplant. Candidates were divided into groups according to the clinical activity of the center of listing: high-volume pediatric (≥4 transplants per year); low-volume pediatric (<4 transplants per year); and adult (transplant volume predominantly in adults). We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for waitlist mortality. We also determined the transplant rate-or likelihood of transplant after listing-over the study period. Fifty-eight percent of the children and adolescents were listed in adult centers where the resultant transplant rate was low-only 42% received a transplant compared with 93% in pediatric programs. Listing in an adult program was also the most significant risk factor for death on the waiting list (hazard ratio 15.6, 95% confidence interval 5.8 to 42.1). Most children (58%) are listed for lung transplantation in adult centers and have a reduced rate of transplantation and a greater chance of waitlist mortality.

Scully BB ，Goss M ，Liu H ，Keuht ML ，Adachi I ，McKenzie ED ，Fraser CD ，Melicoff E ，Mallory GB ，Heinle JS ，Rana A ... -  《-》

Decline in heart transplant wait list mortality in the United States following broader regional sharing of donor hearts.

Singh TP ，Almond CS ，Taylor DO ，Graham DA ... -  《-》

Variability in acceptance of organ offers by pediatric transplant centers and its impact on wait-list mortality.

Recent data have suggested that pediatric patients wait-listed for a liver transplantation frequently have liver offers declined. However, factors associated with liver offer decisions and center-level variability in practice patterns have not been explored. We evaluated United Network for Organ Sharing data on all match runs from May 1, 2007 to December 31, 2015 in which the liver was offered to ≥1 pediatric patient; the transplant recipient was ranked in the first 40 positions for the organ offer; and the donor was brain-dead and <50 years of age. We used multilevel mixed effects models to evaluate factors associated with organ offer acceptance, among-center variability, and the association between center-level acceptance and wait-list mortality. There were 4088 unique pediatric patients during the study period, comprising 27,094 match runs. Initial Model for End-Stage Liver Disease or Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease score, history of exception points, recipient region, rank on match run, and geographic share type were all associated with probability of offer acceptance. There was significant among-center variation (P < 0.001) in adjusted liver offer acceptance rates, accounting for donor, recipient, and match-related factors (adjusted acceptance rates: median, 8.9%; range, 5.1%-14.6%). Center-level acceptance rates were associated with wait-list mortality, with a >10% increase in the risk of wait-list mortality for every 1% decrease in a center's adjusted liver offer acceptance rate (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.19). In conclusion, there is significant among-center variability in liver offer acceptance rates for pediatric patients that is not explained by donor and recipient factors. A center's liver acceptance behavior significantly impacts whether a pediatric patient will be transplanted or die on the waiting list. Liver Transplantation 24 803-809 2018 AASLD.

Mitchell E ，Loomes KM ，Squires RH ，Goldberg D ... -  《-》