Systematic review and meta-analysis: Islet autotransplantation after pancreatectomy for minimizing diabetes

Objective Islet autotransplantation (IAT) may decrease the morbidity and mortality of postpancreatectomy diabetes mellitus. The current systematic review and meta-analysis examined the rate of insulin independence (II) and mortality after IAT post-total (TP) or partial pancreatectomy (PP). Methods Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and reference lists were searched until 31 January 2011. Eligible studies enrolled adult patients with IAT post-TP or PP, regardless of study design, sample size and language. Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. From each study, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Results Fifteen observational studies were eligible (11 IAT post-TP, two post-PP and two including both). The II rates for IAT post-TP at last follow-up and transiently during the study were 4·62 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1·53-7·72) and 8·34 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3·32-13·37), respectively. In the later group, patients achieved transient II lasting 15·57 months (95% CI: 10·35-20·79). The II rate at last follow-up for IAT post-PP was 24·28 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0·00-48·96). Whereas the 30-day mortality for IAT post-TP and post-PP was 5% (95% CI: 2-10%) and 0, respectively, the long-term mortality was 1·38 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0·66-2·11) and 0·70 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0·00-1·80) respectively. Conclusions IAT postpancreatectomy offers some patients a chance for insulin independence. Better data reporting are essential to establish the risks and benefits of IAT after pancreatic surgery.