Big Data for Small People: How Novel Data Collection Can Improve Pediatric Transplantation Outcomes

Kanneganti et al merged UNOS and PHIS data to perform the first assessment of center-level variation in acute rejection and biliary tract complications in the first year following pediatric liver transplantation (1). By combining these data sources, these authors have (1) created a novel, robust dataset for longitudinal study of pediatric liver transplant recipients and (2) have identified potentially new opportunities for quality improvement in post-pediatric liver transplantation morbidity. In their analysis, Kanneganti et al found significant center-level variation in acute rejection and, to a lesser degree, in biliary complications in the year following pediatric liver transplantation.