The standardization of pancreatic donors for islet isolations

Background. Islet transplantation has proven to be a successful treatment for type I diabetes mellitus. 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. We retrospectively analyzed 326 pancreases 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. Pancreases with lower donor point scores had lower transplant success rates, whereas higher donor point scores in turn produced higher transplant rates. Conclusions. This scoring system has proven to be useful in guiding the decision process as to whether to accept a particular pancreas for a favorable isolation outcome.