Immunosuppression and Heart Transplantation

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2022:272:117-137. doi: 10.1007/164_2021_552.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Azathioprine; Calcineurin inhibitors; Cancer; Cardiac; Corticosteroid; Cyclosporine; Everolimus; Heart; Immune; Immunosuppression; Induction; Maintenance; Mycophenolate; Orthotopic; Prednisone; Rejection; Sirolimus; Steroid; Tacrolimus; Transplant; Vasculopathy; mTOR inhibitors.

MeSH terms

  • Calcineurin Inhibitors*
  • Cyclosporine
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Mycophenolic Acid / pharmacology
  • Sirolimus

Substances

  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Sirolimus