Evaluation of quality of life after pancreas-kidney transplantation

The pancreas-kidney transplantation strives for a reestablishment both of t he physiological regulation of blood glucose levels without external insuli n and of kidney function without the need of dialysis. Nevertheless, the po stoperative morbidity of the combined transplantation is high. In long last ing diabetes type I, a strict selection of transplant candidates is necessa ry to minimize the risks of cardio-vascular complications. Between 1990 and 1997 only 17 of 44 patients really were accepted for transplantation in ou r unit. 13/17 patients are actually independent from external insulin and d ialysis. Two other patients are free of dialysis, but the pancreas transpla nts had to be removed due to thrombosis or infection. In one case therapy-r esistant acute rejection occurred and both organs had to be removed after t wo months. One women died four years after transplantation with a functioni ng kidney graft from myocardial infarction. 10 patients with stable transpl ant function are at work. again. After normal pregnancy two women gave birt h to healthy children, in one case twins. Drug regimen and outpatients visi ts are not seen as significant restrictions of the quality of life.