[Graft rejection reaction and immunosuppression following heart transplantation]

Abstract

Acute rejection is the most important factor influencing mortality after heart transplant. Acute rejection occurs at least once in over 95% of the patients in the early phase after heart transplant. In the vast majority of episodes of acute rejection clinical symptoms are absent. The regular performance of endomyocardial biopsy after heart transplant allows histological diagnosis of rejection episodes as well as follow-up control of rejection treatment. This overview points to the major problems regarding acute rejection and immunosuppressive regimen in heart transplant recipients.