PANCREAS TRANSPLANTATION – BENEFITS AND RISKS FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Pancreas transplantation is considered a valuable therapeutic option in diabetic patients, either alone or combined with renal allografts in transplant candidates with imminent or established end-stage renal disease. Improvements in transplant techniques, diverse immunosuppression regimens, a better donor -recipient HLA matching and frequent post-transplant monitoring have resulted in increased number of pancreas recipients, with increased graft survival and a better quality of life. The benefits consist of normalization of glucose metabolism, insulin independence and elimination of acute complication such as hypoglycemia, marked hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis. In addition, pancreas transplantation partially reverses or stabilizes secondary complications of diabetes. This is a review of the current literature regarding the types of pancreas transplantation, their indications and the novel immunosuppressive regimens used.