Immunological Graft Loss (Rejection or Recurrence of Disease) (US)

Graft failure was analyzed for 1994-1998 US cadaveric technically successful (TS) cases: recipients censored who died with functioning graft (DWFG); TF and primary non-function (PNF) excluded. For SPK at one, 2 and 3 years posttransplant, graft failure rates were 2%, 3% and 5% respectively; for PAK, graft failure rates were 9%, 14% and 20%; PTA, rates were 16%, 18% and 30%. The duct management technique did not affect immunological graft loss for SPK. PTA had the highest risk for graft loss immunologically, but it was significantly lower than in previous eras (Figure 11).

Figure 11

Primary vs. Retransplants (USA)

For 1994-1998 cadaveric US cases, the incidence of pancreas retransplants rose slightly from 3% in 1994 to 5% in 1998. Retransplants were most frequent in PAK (64% of all retransplants and 24% of all PAK cases). In PTA and SPK, retransplants were 14% and 1% respectively. The survival rate at one year for all retransplants in 1994-1998 was 66%. Compared to primary transplants, retransplant survival rates were significantly lower for all categories except PTA (Figure 12).

Figure 12