The Journal of the Korean Society for Transplantation  2008;22(2):197-202

Steroid Withdrawal in Renal Transplantation.

Joong Kyung KIM 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Renal transplantation; Steroid withdrawal

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Steroid is a critical component of immunosuppressive regimen. Unfortunately, steroid is associated with numerous adverse effects including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, sodium retention, and avascular necrosis. These adverse effects have prompted trials of steroid withdrawal with introduction of potent immunosuppressive agents in renal transplantation. Although late steroid withdrawal raised acute rejection rate compared with early steroid withdrawal, results of recent trials that used diverse steroid withdrawal protocols suggest good short and long term graft outcomes. But, in patients survival, patients with steroid withdrawal is similar to patients administered steroid. This review summarizes usefulness according to timing of steroid withdrawal and re-exams benefits of steroid withdrawal in renal transplantation.