Immunosuppression and Heart Transplantation

Nilay Sutaria1, Lynne Sylvia1, David DeNofrio2

  • 1Cardiovascular Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.

Since the first human heart transplant in 1967, immense advancements have been made in the field of immunosuppression. This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the use of immunosuppressive agents in heart transplant recipients. Evidence regarding maintenance immunosuppressive regimens, the efficacy of induction immunosuppression and corticosteroid weaning, as well as the use of distinct immunosuppression regimens within select patient populations is summarized. This chapter helps elucidate the data regarding contemporary protocols in cardiac transplantation.

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