ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Beta Cell Replacement Therapy in Nonuremic Patients with Brittle T1DM Allows for Durable Long Term Insulin Independence Halting Progression of Secondary Diabetic Complications

P. J. Bachul1, D. J. Grybowski1, R. Anteby2, L. Basto1, L. Perea1, K. Golab1, L. Wang1, M. Tibudan1, A. Perez-Gutierrez1, M. Komorniczak3, A. Lucander1, P. Borek1, M. Dimitrov1, J. Fung1, P. Witkowski1

1Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 2Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, 3Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

Meeting: 2020 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: C-332

Keywords: Insulin, Islets, Outcome, Pancreas transplantation

Session Information

Session Name: Poster Session C: Pancreas and Islet: All Topics

Session Type: Poster Session

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2020

Session Time: 3:15pm-4:00pm

 Presentation Time: 3:30pm-4:00pm

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: Beta cell replacement therapy in form of pancreas or islet transplantation is the only effective treatment for patients suffering from hypoglycemic unawareness despite intensive insulin treatment. Transplant provide endogenous insulin allowing for physiologic optimal blood glucose control.

*Methods: 13 consecutive nonuremic patients with “brittle” type 1 diabetes (T1DM) received 27 islet transplants (up to 3 islet infusions) and 4 of them subsequently pancreas transplantation to extend benefit of insulin independence. Thymoglobulin was used during first islet transplant and basiliximab prior to subsequent islet and pancreas transplants for induction, whereas tacrolimus and mycophenolate for maintenance immunosuppression. Patient received Reparixin, etarnecept or no anti-inflammatory therapy in peritransplant period.

*Results: Three patients developed DSA with antibody mediated rejection and 1 severe cytokine release syndrome and 1 bleeding, which compromised islet graft function. Overall 1, 2, 3 and 5 year insulin independence rate after first islet transplantation was 11/13 (85%), 11/13 (85%) and 8/13 (61%), 6/13 (46%), respectively. Four patients received pancreas tx after median 4.5 years (3.5-6.5) increasing 5 and 6 year insulin independence rate to 69% (9/13) and 70% (7/10), respectively. Currently, 10/13 77% (10/13) are still off insulin with median follow 6.5 (5-7.5). Remaining 2 patients dropped the study due to social reasons right after their first or second islet transplant, another one dropped due to leukemia. Secondary diabetic complications such as the diabetic neuropathy remained stable but retinopathy improved in 4/13 patients (30%). None of the patients experienced any of the cardiovascular events. One patient with creatinine 1.55 mg/ml (GFR = 59) received kidney together with pancreas transplantation.

*Conclusions: Beta cell replacement therapy in form of islet and subsequent pancreas transplantation has proven its long term efficacy in restoring normoglycemia and alleviating the immediate burden of hypoglycemic unawareness as well as preventing progression of secondary complications.

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Bachul PJ, Grybowski DJ, Anteby R, Basto L, Perea L, Golab K, Wang L, Tibudan M, Perez-Gutierrez A, Komorniczak M, Lucander A, Borek P, Dimitrov M, Fung J, Witkowski P. Beta Cell Replacement Therapy in Nonuremic Patients with Brittle T1DM Allows for Durable Long Term Insulin Independence Halting Progression of Secondary Diabetic Complications [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2020; 20 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/beta-cell-replacement-therapy-in-nonuremic-patients-with-brittle-t1dm-allows-for-durable-long-term-insulin-independence-halting-progression-of-secondary-diabetic-complications/. Accessed May 10, 2025.

« Back to 2020 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences