Insulin-Pump Treatment of Pancreas-Graft Rejection

Abstract

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was combined with antirejection therapy in four diabetic recipients of pancreas and kidney grafts with persisting hyperglycemia due to pancreas rejection. In three of the patients, full function of the pancreas was restored after as many as 40, 86, and 139 days of CSII. In another patient, the dose of insulin was halved, and his graft function was classified as partial. Pancreas rejection treated without CSII was reversible only in one of four other recipients. We conclude that restoration of the function of a pancreas graft damaged by rejection can be achieved even after a long period with the help of CSII therapy.