Current Challenges in Pancreas and Islet Transplantation: A Scoping Review
2024

Current Challenges in Pancreas and Islet Transplantation

Sample size: 48 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Altabas Velimir, Bulum Tomislav

Primary Institution: Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, University of Zagreb, Vuk Vrhovac University Clinic for Diabetes

Hypothesis

What are the current challenges and limitations in pancreas and islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes?

Conclusion

The review highlights significant limitations and challenges in achieving insulin independence through pancreas and islet transplantation, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches.

Supporting Evidence

  • Insulin independence rates vary significantly among different transplantation methods.
  • Immunosuppressive therapy is necessary but increases the risk of infections and other complications.
  • Stem cell-derived therapies are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional transplantation methods.

Takeaway

This study looks at how well pancreas and islet transplants work for people with type 1 diabetes and finds that while they can help, there are still many problems to solve.

Methodology

The review systematically searched three databases for clinical studies on insulin independence following pancreas and islet transplantation in type 1 diabetes.

Potential Biases

Potential bias related to inclusion criteria and loss of participants to follow-up were noted in several studies.

Limitations

The studies included had small sample sizes and varied reporting on insulin independence, which may affect the validity of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The review included studies with participants primarily diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, with varying durations of the disease.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/biomedicines12122853

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