Evaluation of Infection Risk Based on Induction Immunotherapy within the First Year after Heart Transplantation

Fifteen patients died within the first year. Infection related deaths occurred in 6 patients (40%). Faster taper of prednisone was associated with significantly reduced rates of infection within the first year after OHT. Limitations of this study are sample size and single center population. Further investigation for rapid prednisone taper in older individuals may decrease mortality related to infection within the first year after OHT.