STEROID-FREE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION WITH ANTITHYMOCYTE GLOBULIN INDUCTION AND CYCLOSPORINE AND MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL MAINTENANCE THERAPY

Abstract

Our first-line, steroid-free immunosuppressive protocol allows initial graft function, provides a safe level of long-term graft survival and function with a very low rejection rate, gives an acceptable rate of side effects, and possesses the potential for lowering the incidence of chronic rejection over the long-term. Compared with protocols that discontinue steroids after the initial posttransplant period, a steroid-free protocol avoids the increased risk of infection and body disfigurement in the early posttransplant period. It also avoids the long-term risks of steroid use and the increased risks of rejection when the steroids are withdrawn.