Monitoring of pancreas allograft function with glucose disappearance rate (k(G)): Calculation and interpretation

The incidence of rejection following pancreas transplantation remains problematic and contributes significantly to the rate of graft loss. Monitoring of post-transplant pancreas graft function includes evaluation of tests performed to detect early rejection. Based on the assumption that deterioration in endocrine function accompanies rejection, a measure reflecting this function would, theoretically, be useful in the diagnosis of rejection. This study demonstrated that the rate of glucose disappearance (k(G)) calculated during intravenous glucose tolerance testing was associated with pancreas allograft rejection episodes. Transplant coordinators should consider incorporating evaluation of glucose disappearance rates (k(G)) into their programs to facilitate monitoring of allograft function.