153 10-year analysis of the impact of normothermic regional perfusion in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant Free

Deceased Cardiac Donors (DCD) organs are increasingly being used for simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant. The number recovered following in-situ normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is also increasing. This study reviewed a 10-year UK experience of SPK transplantation following NRP in DCD.

Data were collected on all first DCD SPK transplants (n=426) performed during 2013-2023 from the UK Transplant Registry. NRP and non-NRP donors were compared using adjusted regression models. Multiple imputation was used to deal with missing data.

Most grafts were from non-NRP donors n=379 (89%) with n=47 (11%) from NRP donors. Median warm ischaemic time (withdrawal to start of aortic cold or normothermic perfusion) was longer with NRP (17 vs 12 minutes; p=0.005). For all other parameters donors and recipients were well matched. Univariable analysis showed no statistically significant difference in one-year pancreas graft (NRP 93.6%, non-NRP 89.2%, p=0.206). A multivariable model adjusted for donor and recipient factors showed lower pancreas graft loss with NRP, but this did not reach statistical significance (aHR 0.56, 95%CI 0.17-1.80, p=0.327). Sensitivity analyses adjusting for PDRI showed similar results. NRP was not associated with 3-month insulin independence (p=0.51) or pancreas graft rejection (p=0.48).

Concerns exist that NRP may be detrimental to the pancreas. This 10-year UK analysis is the largest reported. We found lower pancreas graft loss in the NRP group, though not statistically significant. This data, along with previous benefits demonstrated in liver and kidney, support continued expansion of the NRP programmes.