Our Summary

The paper studies the effect of the time period between the declaration of brain death in a donor and the removal of their organs (procurement interval) on the success of pancreas transplants. The researchers used data from over 10,000 pancreas transplants and followed up with the recipients for an average of over 3 years. They found that the longer the procurement interval, the better the survival rate of the transplanted pancreas and the fewer cases of acute rejection there were within the first year. This suggests that a longer interval between brain death and organ removal may have a positive impact on the long-term success of pancreas transplants.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the research study regarding pancreas transplants?
  2. How does the length of the procurement interval affect the success rate of pancreas transplants?
  3. What does the study suggest about the relationship between the time of brain death and organ removal in pancreas transplants?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a pancreas transplant to discuss with their transplant team the importance of ensuring a longer procurement interval for the donor organ, as this may improve the success and longevity of the transplant. It is important to communicate openly with the medical team and advocate for the best possible outcome for the transplant surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for pancreas transplant are those who have type 1 diabetes and severe complications such as hypoglycemia unawareness, frequent episodes of severe hypoglycemia, end-stage renal disease, or severe complications related to diabetes such as gastroparesis or neuropathy. These patients may have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels with insulin therapy and may benefit from a pancreas transplant to improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Timeline

Before pancreas transplant:

  • Patient is diagnosed with end-stage pancreas disease, such as type 1 diabetes or chronic pancreatitis
  • Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations to determine eligibility for transplant
  • Patient is placed on the transplant waiting list and waits for a suitable donor pancreas to become available
  • Once a donor pancreas is identified, patient undergoes surgery to remove their diseased pancreas

After pancreas transplant:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to receive the donor pancreas transplant
  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any signs of rejection or complications
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks to recover
  • Patient will need to take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the transplanted pancreas
  • Patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team to monitor the success of the transplant and manage any complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a pancreas transplant?
  2. How long is the expected recovery time after a pancreas transplant?
  3. What medications will I need to take after the transplant and what are the potential side effects?
  4. How will the transplant impact my overall quality of life and daily activities?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team after the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of pancreas transplants at this hospital or transplant center?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I will need to make after the transplant?
  8. What are the chances of rejection and what are the signs to watch out for?
  9. How long is the typical wait time for a pancreas transplant?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options I should consider before proceeding with a pancreas transplant?

Reference

Authors: Eerola V, Sallinen V, Lempinen M, Helanterä I. Journal: Transpl Int. 2023 Jun 29;36:11332. doi: 10.3389/ti.2023.11332. eCollection 2023. PMID: 37470064