Pancreas transplantation with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution and University of Wisconsin (UW) solution: is there a difference?
BACKGROUND
In clinical pancreas transplantation the choice of preservation solution may have an impact on graft pancreatitis. Experience with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) is still limited whereas University of Wisconsin (UW) solution is currently the preferred perfusate worldwide.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze our experience with HTK in pancreas transplantation.


METHODS
In a retrospective analysis, data from 95 primary simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations were reviewed. The use of HTK (n=48) and UW (n=47) solution was stratified into two groups.


METHODS
Patient/graft survival and early graft function were compared.


RESULTS
No significant differences between 1, 3 and 12 month patient survival (HTK: 97.9%, 97.9%, and 95.7% vs. UW: 95.7%, 89.4%, and 89.4%, respectively), and pancreas graft survival (HTK: 87.5%, 87.5%, and 85.4% vs. UW: 87.0%, 82.6%, and 82.6%, respectively) were detected. Higher values for peak lipase were observed on day 1 in the HTK group (not reaching significance: P=0.131) whereas no differences were noted for amylase and C-reactive protein.


CONCLUSIONS
HTK is clinically comparable to UW. Both solutions have been shown to be safe for pancreas preservation. Successful pancreas transplantation depends on many factors such as donor and recipient factors, but skilled organ procurement techniques, organ preservation, and transplant experience in this field is mandatory. The choice of organ preservation solution is only one point in this context.
Becker
Thomas
T
Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Medical School of Hannover, Hannover, Germany. becker.thomas@mh-hannover.de
Ringe
Bastian
B
Nyibata
Miguel
M
Meyer zu Vilsendorf
Andreas
A
Schrem
Harald
H
Lück
Rainer
R
Neipp
Michael
M
Klempnauer
Jürgen
J
Bektas
Hueseyin
H
D000241:Adenosine; D000328:Adult; D000493:Allopurinol; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose; D005978:Glutathione; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin; D008297:Male; D008353:Mannitol; D008875:Middle Aged; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; D016035:Pancreas Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D011343:Procaine; D011887:Raffinose; D012189:Retrospective Studies
C039984:Bretschneider cardioplegic solution; D007328:Insulin; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; C055206:University of Wisconsin-lactobionate solution; D008353:Mannitol; D011343:Procaine; D000493:Allopurinol; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D005978:Glutathione; D005947:Glucose; D000241:Adenosine; D011887:Raffinose