Key result
Cumulative prednisone exposure is linked to higher total cholesterol in heart transplant recipients.
Why the study?
Accelerated coronary atherosclerosis is a major cause of heart graft failure two years after transplantation, but its etiology remains undetermined, including the role of lipid abnormalities and corticosteroid exposure.
Is cumulative corticosteroid exposure associated with unfavorable plasma lipid levels in heart transplant recipients?
Observational (n=92)
Yes
Is cumulative corticosteroid exposure associated with unfavorable plasma lipid levels in heart transplant recipients?
Effect estimate: r = 0.40
p-value: p=0.0001
Long-term cumulative corticosteroid exposure is strongly associated with unfavorable lipid profiles in heart transplant recipients, independent of cyclosporine use.
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May warrant closer lipid surveillance in long-term prednisone users; leaves open whether dose minimization improves dyslipidemia.
Becker et al. (1988) conducted an observational in Heart transplant recipients (n=92). Cumulative corticosteroid exposure was evaluated on Age- or sex-adjusted total cholesterol percentiles (r = 0.40, p=0.0001). Cumulative prednisone exposure was significantly associated with age- or sex-adjusted total cholesterol percentiles (r = 0.40, p = 0.0001) in heart transplant recipients.
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