Minimization of steroids in liver transplantation

Abstract

Because of the markedly improved short-term results of liver transplantation (LT) and persistently high number of long-term complications, the attention of transplant physicians should be focused on minimizing immunosuppressive therapy as much as possible. Steroid-based immunosuppression is responsible for a substantial post-LT morbidity and mortality, hence, minimization of its use is of utmost importance to improve the quality of life of the successfully transplanted liver recipient. This literature review shows that LT can be performed safely with steroid-minimal immunosuppression without compromising graft and patient survival. The tendency in clinical practice is to move more and more from steroid withdrawal to steroid avoidance protocols. © 2009 The Authors.