Thymoglobulin induction and steroid avoidance in cardiac transplantation: results of a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Background: Chronic use of corticosteroids (CS) following transplantation is associated with significant long-term morbidities. Minimizing exposure to CS to improve long-term outcomes, without compromising allograft function, remains an important goal in transplantation.

Objectives: This single-center, prospective, randomized, open-label study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Thymoglobulin as part of a CS-sparing regimen in cardiac transplantation.