Ocular changes after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases in young individuals. Diabetic nephropathy, being one of the most dangerous complications of T1D, progresses to end-stage renal disease within 10–15 years in 80%. The simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant prevents insulin therapy and dialysis, thereby avoiding further progression of complications of diabetes. Normalization of carbohydrate metabolism and resolving of uremia after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant are beneficial for ocular structures. This article reviews studies on the pattern of changes in ocular structures in the post-transplant period. The procedure improves peripheral microcirculation of the bulbar conjunctiva and corneal innervation. Most studies demonstrate stabilization and improvement of the course of diabetic retinopathy as illustrated by the reduction in active vascular proliferation, need for retinal laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy. Meanwhile, some studies failed to reveal any differences in the morphological functional status of the retina in the pre- and postoperative periods. An increase in cataract rate among simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressant therapy remains a challenge. Keywords: type 1 diabetes, kidney transplant, pancreas transplant, simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema. For citation: Vorobyeva I.V., Bulava E.V., Moshetova L.K., Pinchuk A.V. Ocular changes after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;22(2):132–136 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2022-22-2-132-136.