New study to improve outcomes for heart transplant recipients You are here:HomeNewsroomNews New study to improve outcomes for heart transplant recipients 23 Apr 2021 St Vincent’s and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute have partnered to deliver a randomised study exploring the use of a new immunosuppression regimen in heart transplant recipients. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) or anti-rejection drugs are vital in reducing mortality following heart transplantation, however currently CNIs are linked to the development of a thickening of the heart chamber, causing inefficient pumping, irregular heartbeat and vascular disease. The study demonstrated that by altering, and ultimately lowering the standard dose of post-transplant medications, a significant reduction in scarring and thickening of the transplanted heart occurred, resulting in a distinct improvement in overall heart function. "The study’s data over the first year after transplantation uniquely illuminates the structure and function of a transplanted heart in a way that was not previously available", said A/Prof Andrew Jabbour, St Vincent’s Cardiologist. Click here to read the study in full. A/Prof Andrew Jabbour, Cardiologist