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

Variable Outcomes of Recurrent Autoimmune Diabetes Post Pancreas Transplant Treated with Rituximab

K. Venkatachalam, A. Markwardt, B. Heady, T. Alhamad, A. Malone

Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Meeting: 2019 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: D288

Keywords: Autoimmunity, CD20, Pancreas transplantation, Survival

Session Information

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

Session Type: Poster Session

Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Session Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

 Presentation Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Location: Hall C & D

*Purpose: Demonstrate the outcomes of treatment with rituximab in patients with autoimmune diabetes after pancreas transplant.

*Methods: We present the treatment response to rituximab in 3 simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK) patients who developed autoantibodies and hyperglycemia. All the patients received induction with anti-thymocyte globulin 6 mg/kg, maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus (Tac), mycophenolate (MPA) and prednisone (P). Patient 2 had MPA discontinued due to significant GI side effects. Amylase and lipase levels were normal and there were no new donor specific antibodies (DSA). A clinical diagnosis (hyperglycemia and de novo autoantibodies) of autoimmune diabetes was made in all cases as biopsies were contraindicated. Treatment consisted of high dose IV methyl prednisolone (total of 1-1.5gm over course of 3 days) with oral prednisone taper and 2 doses of rituximab 375mg/m2 on day 0 and 15.

*Results: Patients 1 and 2 had a transient response to rituximab with improvement in their blood glucose levels. Over the course of 4-6 months after rituximab they developed worsening hyperglycemia and required insulin. Patient 3 improved and did not require insulin. All the patients had stable exocrine pancreas and stable renal allograft function. 1/3 patients responded to 2 doses of rituximab with improvement in their blood glucose levels and long term insulin free survival.

*Conclusions: Recurrent autoimmune diabetes after pancreas transplant is a less well recognized cause of pancreas allograft loss. Onset can be delayed and could occur despite appropriate levels of immunosuppression. Pancreatic autoantibodies that are frequently checked include anti-insulin, anti-islet cell, and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). The impact of this condition on long-term pancreas graft survival is unknown and optimal therapy is unknown. Further studies are required to determine the optimal dose and duration of rituximab, which could be a potential treatment option for such patients.

Demographics, pre-rituximab antibody levels and outcomes
Patient Demographics HLA mismatch A/B/DR C-petide HbA1C GAD Anti islet cell Ab Allograft outcome
1 38 y/o white female 2/2/1 1.6 6.3 0.21 0.03 Failure
2 41 y/o white male 0/1/0 4.0 8.9 0.04 0.12 Failure
3 44 y/o white male 1/2/2 1.68 8.9 0 0.4 Stable
  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Venkatachalam K, Markwardt A, Heady B, Alhamad T, Malone A. Variable Outcomes of Recurrent Autoimmune Diabetes Post Pancreas Transplant Treated with Rituximab [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2019; 19 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/variable-outcomes-of-recurrent-autoimmune-diabetes-post-pancreas-transplant-treated-with-rituximab/. Accessed June 1, 2025.

« Back to 2019 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