Steroid avoidance in pediatric heart transplantation results in excellent graft survival.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maintenance steroid (MS) use in pediatric heart transplantation (HT) varies across centers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of steroid-free maintenance immunosuppression (SF) on graft outcomes in pediatric HT.

Methods

Patients younger than 18 years in the United States undergoing a first HT during 1990 to 2010 were analyzed for conditional 30-day graft loss (death or repeat HT) and death based on MS use by multivariable analysis. A propensity score was then given to each patient using a logistic model, and propensity matching was performed using pre-HT risk factors, induction therapy, and nonsteroid maintenance immunosuppression. Kaplan-Meier graft and patient survival probabilities by MS use were then calculated.

Results

Of 4894 patien

SUBMITTER: Auerbach SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5769929 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature