Global Cardiovascular Risk Under Early Corticosteroid Cessation Decreases Progressively in the First Year Following Renal Transplantation

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings 2005-03, Vol.37 (2), p.812-813
• Main Authors: Rogers, C.C., Alloway, R.R., Boardman, R., Trofe, J., Hanaway, M.J., Alexander, J.W., Roy-Chaudhury, P., Buell, J.F., Thomas, M., Susskind, B., Woodle, E.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - administration & dosage; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Blood Pressure; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular Diseases - epidemiology; Cholesterol, HDL - blood; Drug Administration Schedule; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Humans; Kidney Transplantation - immunology; Kidney Transplantation - physiology; Medical sciences; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Tissue, organ and graft immunology
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2005.01.060

A primary reason to eliminate corticosteroids from immunosuppressive regimens in solid organ transplant recipients is improved cardiovascular risk profiles. Although a number of studies have documented that corticosteroid withdrawal (CSWD) regimens reduce hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and weight gain, global assessments of cardiovascular risk under CSWD have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to document cardiovascular risk under CSWD using a global risk assessment by Framingham risk assessment. Framingham global cardiovascular risk assessments were performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant on patients enrolled in prospective, IRB-approved early (