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World J Transplant. Dec 24, 2014; 4(4): 216-221
Published online Dec 24, 2014. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v4.i4.216
Pancreas transplantation in type II diabetes mellitus
Phillip Weems, Matthew Cooper
Phillip Weems, Matthew Cooper, MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Washington, DC 20007, United States
Author contributions: Weems P drafted the manuscript; Cooper M contributed with final review and editing as well as submission for peer review.
Correspondence to: Phillip Weems, MD, MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW 2 Main, Washington, DC 20007, United States. weems.s.phillip@gunet.georgetown.edu
Telephone: +1-202-4440032 Fax: +1-202-4440899
Received: April 12, 2014
Revised: June 4, 2014
Accepted: July 15, 2014
Published online: December 24, 2014
Processing time: 261 Days and 13.7 Hours
Abstract

Although the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus was once considered a contraindication to simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, a growing body of evidence has revealed that similar graft and patient survival can be achieved when compared to type 1 diabetes mellitus recipients. A cautious strategy regarding candidate selection may limit appropriate candidates from additional benefits in terms of quality of life and potential amelioration of secondary side effects of the disease process. Although our current understanding of the disease has changed, uniform listing characteristics to better define and study this population have limited available data and must be established.

Keywords: Pancreas transplantation; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

Core tip: Comparable outcomes have been achieved in simultaneous-pancreas kidney transplant among both type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) recipients. Our current understanding of the pathogenesis of DM2 is in evolution and denial of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation to appropriately screened DM2 recipients may limit access to a potential life-saving measure with beneficial quality of life improvements. Cautious utilization of DM2 listing criteria should be employed among all pancreas transplant centers in order to ensure optimum patient and graft survivals are achieved.