Transplant options for the management of diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Abstract

Kidney transplantation remains the most effective treatment for end stage renal disease with the best long term outcome irrespective of the aetiology for most patients. Patients with diabetic nephropathy however present a challenge in that, whilst the renal status normalizes with the renal transplant, a persisting poor glycaemic control may ultimately jeopardize the health of the transplanted kidney. Hence there is a strong need for an adequate long term glycaemic control in these patients. The advent of safe pancreatic transplantation has offered the hope of a more effective long term glycaemic control in diabetics over the use of insulin and medications.

It is important that in the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy, attention should not only be given to possible renal transplantation. It is vital that consideration be also given to the possible pancreatic transplant options that may offer this group of patients adequate glycaemic control in the long term. In this write up, the authors look at the various pancreatic transplant options available in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Keywords: diabetic nephropathy, kidney transplantation, pancreatic transplantation