A World Leader in Kidney Transplants

The Transplant Center--Kidney, Steroid Free Maintenance

What…no Prednisone?

Steroid-free maintenance being practiced for some

Nearly 400 patients at The Transplant Center have benefited from research by University of Minnesota Physicians in the Surgery Department at the University of Minnesota. Prednisone, a steroid, is used to check inflammation, but it also has many side effects. These side effects include weight gain, excessive body hair growth, changes in appearance, and bone problems. While not all patients experience all side effects, some patients are reluctant to proceed with a transplant. The results of this study help patients overcome their concerns.

University of Minnesota physicians studied patients post-transplant using a steroid-free maintenance program. University physicians reported on the association of Prednisone with acute rejection and graft loss long term versus discontinuing its use within days of the transplant procedure. Results showed a 95 percent graft survival rate at three years post-transplant. No recipients developed steroid-related skin or appearance changes.

Results of the study were published in an abstract in the American Journal of Transplantation. They concluded, “Excellent 3-year kidney graft outcome can be achieved without long-term Prednisone. Prednisone should be eliminated from routine post-transplant maintenance immunosuppressive protocols.” Today, new transplants and subsequent transplants are routinely placed on steroid-free maintenance programs.