Quality of life after islet transplantation: data from the GRAGIL 1 and 2 trials

Background Rigorous assessment of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is mandatory to establish the benefits of islet transplantation. Methods The 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) scales were completed by patients included in an Islet Transplantation Alone (ITA) trial (n = 10) and an Islet After Kidney (IAK) trial (n = 10). Results The two populations differed by HRQL scores at baseline, with poorer scores in ITA patients. SF‐36 scores for physical limitations, bodily pain, general health perception, social functioning, and health transition improved significantly in ITA patients 6 and 12 months post transplantation. The DQOL global score was significantly improved at 6 months and remained so at 12 months, because of a significant improvement in the dimensions of satisfaction and impact of diabetes. No improvement was observed in the IAK patients. Conclusion HRQL assessment may help in the selection of candidates with brittle diabetes for islet transplantation.