[Pancreatic transplantation: success and problems]

Abstract

The results of pancreatic transplantation could be improved markedly since using the bladder drainage technique. The best function rates can be achieved when transplanting simultaneously a kidney from the same donor. In our own series of 50 combined pancreas-/kidney transplantations (CPKT) the 1-year-graft function rate for both organs reaches 88%. The drainage of the exocrine pancreatic secretions into the urinary tract leads, however, to a high incidence of recurrent urinary tract infections. Diagnosis of rejections after combined pancreas-/kidney transplantation is mainly based on the function of the simultaneously transplanted kidney and the exocrine secretion of the pancreatic graft. In spite of triple drug therapy (prednisolone, azathioprine, cyclosporine A) and ATG (antithymocyte globulin) prophylaxis the incidence of acute rejection episodes is initially high. For rejection therapy monoclonal antibodies, such as OKT3, are most effective. Glucose metabolism is almost completely normalized after successful pancreatic transplantation. Considering late diabetic complications, however, only positive effects on diabetic neuropathy are confirmed. This is probably due to the very late onset of therapy by pancreatic transplantation. A significant improvement in other late diabetic complications can only be expected in long term follow up studies. The positive effect on physical and psychological rehabilitation, however, improves the quality of life in most of the patients after CPKT substantially. Even though the results of isolated pancreatic transplantation reaches 1-year-graft function rates of approximately 60% in single centers, the indication to this treatment should consider the disadvantages of long term immunosuppression and the uncertain results considering secondary complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)