The standardization of pancreatic donors for islet isolation.
BACKGROUND
Islet transplantation has proven to be a successful treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The aim of this study was to establish an algorithm by which the combination of the donor quality and pancreas quality was given a numerical score from 0 to 100 for use in determining the quality of a pancreas for islet isolation.


METHODS
In this study we retrospectively analyzed 326 pancreata and the outcomes of their respective isolations. Specific donor variables and physical characteristics were identified and weighted according to their influence on the success of the isolation. For each variable, ranges and point weightings were established based on our laboratory experience and literature review.


RESULTS
Analysis of the data showed a strong association of the donor point with isolation outcome. Pancreata with lower donor point scores had lower transplant success rates, while higher donor point scores in turn produced higher transplant rates.


CONCLUSIONS
This scoring system has proven to be effective in assessing the potential of pancreata for a favorable isolation outcome. By analyzing the final score of the pancreas, a standardized decision can be made on whether to accept or decline the pancreas. Another benefit of the scoring system is that it is a quick and efficient way to trend the quality of donor organs.
O'Gorman
D
D
Department of Surgery Surgical-Medical Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Kin
T
T
Murdoch
T
T
Richer
B
B
McGhee-Wilson
D
D
Ryan
E
E
Shapiro
A M J
AM
Lakey
J R T
JR
D001926:Brain Death; D002102:Cadaver; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology*; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome