Contraindications for Pancreas Transplant
Unfortunately, not every patient will be a candidate for pancreas transplant and would benefit from it. A patient may be considered unsuitable for a pancreas transplant due to the presence of various factors.
At least one third of these patients will develop “brittle” diabetes mellitus (frequent episodes of hypoglycemic unawareness, hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis) with its associated morbidity and mortality. One fifth of them will also develop secondary diabetic complications over time.
Absolute contraindications
BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2
Inability to comply with extensive follow-up
Ongoing substance abuse (drugs or alcohol)
Major ongoing psychiatric illness
Active malignancy excluding localised skin malignancy
Active HIV infection
Relative contraindications
HIV seropositivity
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C
Myocardial dysfunction / Severe and non-correctable coronary artery disease on coronary angiography
Active infection
Severe peripheral vascular disease
Significant history of non-compliance
