The influence of desmopressin and vasopressors in the donor management on graft function following pancreas transplantation

The use of desmopressin and vasopressors in cadaveric organ donors is considered a risk factor for graft dysfunction following pancreas transplantation by influencing the microcirculation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these substances on early graft function. This single-center retrospective trial included 59 patients who underwent simultaneous or solitary pancreas transplantation. The corresponding donor charts were reviewed for the use of vasopressors and desmopressin. Impaired graft function was determined as graft thrombosis or as insulin-dependence for more then 3 days posttransplant. Daily amylase and lipase concentrations from abdominal drains were measured to quantify reperfusion pancreatitis and fistula formation. Overall, pancreas thrombosis was observed in 4 of 59 (6.8%) recipients. There were no significant differences in thrombosis rate whether the donors received desmopressin (3/38 vs 1/21, P > .1) or the needed vasopressors (3/53 vs 1/9, P > .1). The number of patients who required insulin for more than 3 days posttransplant was comparable whether the donors received desmopressin (9/38 vs 4/21, P > .1), or vasopressors (9/46 vs 3/8, P > .1). At present all recipients with functioning pancreatic grafts (ie, 92.7%) are free of exogenous insulin therapy at 2 to 80 months posttransplant. The amylase/lipase concentrations of peritoneal fluid were independent of the administration of desmopressin or vasopressors in the donors. In this study donor desmopressin and vasopressor administration did not influence graft function after pancreas transplantation.