Basiliximab as maintenance immunosuppression in heart transplant recipients: A single pediatric center experience.

Monthly BAS infusions were well tolerated and allowed for reduced calcineurin inhibitor exposure in most patients. Mortality commonly occurred despite BAS use, potentially reflecting the acuity of this patient cohort. BAS can be considered for maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric patients with fluctuating immunosuppressive levels and/or renal dysfunction. More studies are needed to determine long-term outcomes and explore expanded use of BAS in the pediatric heart transplant population.