The Journal of heart transplantation
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Five of 23 (22%) patients receiving cyclosporine immunosuppression following heart transplantation developed postoperative acute renal failure, whereas none of 17 patients treated with azathioprine had this complication (p = 0.05). Two pre-operative risk factors for acute renal failure in cyclosporine treated patients were identified: a serum creatinine greater than 2 mg/100 mL during the year prior to the transplantation and a need for inotropic support in the week prior to operation. ⋯ Among patients with one or both risk factors, five of nine receiving cyclosporine developed acute renal failure (56%) whereas of seven patients receiving the cyclosporine and rabbit antithymocyte globulin protocol, none developed acute renal failure (p = 0.02). The reduction in acute renal failure, using the cyclosporine/rabbit antithymocyte globulin protocol has been accomplished without an increase in early rejection or infection.