Induction therapy: Why, when, and which agent?

Krischock L, Marks SD. Induction therapy: Why, when, and which agent?Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:298–313. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: The long-term outcome of paediatric transplantation has improved over the last decade with an increase in the armamentarium of immunosuppressive agents. However, the battle against the hostile immune response at the time of and after transplantation continues. Induction therapy can reduce early injury, to optimize the long-term allograft survival. The goal of induction immunosuppression in paediatric transplantation is to permit the use of lower doses of maintenance immunosuppressive agents without increased rates of acute allograft rejection and chronic allograft damage. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature relating to the use of antibody agents for induction in paediatric solid organ transplantation.