title: Perioperative management of immunosuppression.
abstract: Current immunosuppressive regimens typically consist of two phases: induction phase (medications given at the time of the initial transplant) and maintenance therapy. Induction medications are given to decrease the occurrence of early acute rejection, avoid or minimise corticosteroids, and potentially induce long-term favourable immunoregulatory effects. As tolerance remains an elusive goal, life-long maintenance immunosuppression is required after all solid-organ transplantations. The various agents used in these two phases of immunosuppression are reviewed in this article. The similarities and differences between the agents within each class, with respect to efficacy and tolerability, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, 144 Fogarty Hall, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. SLin@uri.edu
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cosgrove
mesh_terms: D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019990:Perioperative Care; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D014180:Transplantation; D014181:Transplantation Immunology; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents