University of Cincinnati research shows steroids can be eliminated after transplants

A new study by researchers at University of Cincinnati shows that using modern immunosuppressive drugs eliminates the need for steroid therapy as early as seven days following a transplant surgery.  Eliminating a daily dose of steroids after transplants minimizes chronic health conditions common to kidney transplant recipients, says Dr. Steve Woodle, chief of UC’s transplant surgery division and principal investigator of the study.  The data — from what is believed to be the longest-running, double-blinded study of its kind in the transplant field — is published in the October issue of the Annals of Surgery.

Traditionally, patients who have undergone organ transplants have required life-long steroid treatments along with other drugs that help suppress the body’s immune system and allow the transplanted organ to work. But the steroid treatment can cause serious side effects including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes, bone weakness and cataracts. "Steroids have long been the primary source of morbidity and complications following successful kidney transplantation," Woodle says. "This study demonstrates that elimination of even small, daily doses does not compromise results while minimizing weight gain, diabetes and bone complications."

Writer: David Holthaus
Source: Katie Pence, University of Cincinnati